1 (16 oz.) pkg. bow-tie pasta

Prepare pasta according to package directions.

ULTIMATE PASTA SAUCE:

1 onion, diced
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. chopped garlic
1 tsp. chili flakes
1/2 lb. deli shaved ham, diced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 oz. vodka
2 cups red wine
2 (14.5 oz. ea.) cans diced tomatoes
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Dice onion and sauté in oil and butter until soft. Add garlic and chili flakes for 1 minute; to release fragrance. Add chopped ham and sauté until brown (about 5 minutes). Add mushrooms and simmer until soft. Add vodka and simmer until reduced. Add red wine and simmer on medium heat until reduced by half.

Once the wine has reduced add the tomatoes and salt and pepper. Simmer sauce until slightly thickened (about 20 minutes). Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, continue to simmer until thickened again (about 20 minutes more). Serve over bow-tie pasta.

Submitted by: Melanie Dickson