Penne with Vodka Sauce

Melt or heat in large saucepan,
3 TBL butter or olive oil

Add:
1 onion finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped proscuitto (about 4-5 thin slices)
Cook, stirring until softened, about 5 min. Add 2 large cloves of garlic, finely chopped or crushed\
Cook, stirring, until just starting to look golden, about 2 min.

Stir in:
2 cans diced tomatoes
1/4 cup vodka
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Simmer briskly for 15 min.

Add: 1/2 cup heavy cream and heat through. Do not boil or it will curdle. I do not use cream, but use fat free half and half. It works great and cuts down on the calories.

Add 12 fresh basil leaves chopped.

Meanwhile, boil 1 lb. penne pasta. Drain pasta and mix immediately with sauce. Can use more chopped, fresh basil and romano cheese for garnish.