Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   4      tablespoons   virgin olive oil
   1      medium        onion -- chopped 1/2" dice
     1/4  pound         pancetta -- cut 1/4" dice
   1      teaspoon      crushed red pepper flakes
   2      cups          basic tomato sauce -- see * note
   1      pound         penne pasta
   2      tablespoons   salt
     1/4  pound         freshly-grated pecorino cheese

Preparation:

* Note: See the "Basic Tomato Sauce" recipe which is included in this collection. Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons salt. In a large 12- to 14-inch sauté pan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, pancetta and sauté until the onion is translucent and very soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and Basic Tomato Sauce and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the penne to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander over the sink. Pour the hot pasta into the sauce pan. Return the pasta mixture to the stove and cook for about 1 minute longer, mixing thoroughly. Pour the pasta into a heated serving dish, sprinkle with lots of grated cheese and serve immediately. Source: MOLTO MARIO with Mario Batali From the TV FOOD NETWORK - (Show # MB-5648)