Penne Al Baffo (Creamy Tomato-Ham Pasta)

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium. Add the shallot, garlic and red-pepper flakes. Cook, stirring often, until shallots and garlic soften but are not yet brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the ham and stir to coat, 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 2

Add the tomato puree. Add ¼ cup of the boiling salted water from the pot to the can, stir to loosen any purée, then add the liquid to the pan. Season the sauce with salt. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3

While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in the boiling water according to package instructions until al dente; drain well.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and then add the cream, cheese and salt; stir to combine. Add the drained pasta; toss to coat. Transfer pasta to a serving dish and top with additional cheese.