Buddy's Rigatoni

TIME:  20 minutes or less

INGREDIENTS

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 small onion, chopped
6 slices of bacon*
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and fresh ground pepper
1 -28oz can of crushed tomatoes*
1 T sugar
1 lb Rigatoni pasta
1 cup heavy cream*
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, snipped*


TIPS & OPTIONS
*This recipe really calls for 6 slices of prociutto or pancetta; however, these can be budget busters.  Since I am on a strict budget, we use bacon and it is just as delicious.  The bacon will neet to be cut into about 3/4 inch slices using a knife or pizza cutter (if yours is really sharp).  You can also substitute ham.
*Or 2 -14.5oz cans of crushed tomatoes.  The generic brand is fine for this recipe.
*I buy the 8oz small carton because I do not use a lot of cream on a regular basis.
*You may also use dried basil from the spice aisle; however, I must say that even on a tight budget I prefer to purchase the fresh basil.  I have found that I have started using it in multiple meals so it is not wasted.  You will want to snip the basil leaves into small pieces.  I put them into a measuring cup and use my kitchen shears to snip them as desired.  This is quick and easy, and I am not a stickler for a perfect measurement here.


PREPARATION

1. Fill a large pot with water and some salt and bring to a boil.
2. Heat a few drizzles of oil in a large skillet.  Add the onion and cook until soft.  Add the bacon and garlic and season with salt and pepper.  Cook for several minutes not allowing the bacon to get too crispy because it will continue to cook with the sauce.  Add the tomatoes and sugar and cook for about 15 minutes.
3. Add the rigatoni to the boiling water.  Cook until al dente which is about 13-14 minutes.
4. Pour the cream into a mixing bowl and whip with a hand mixer until peaks form.  Remove sauce from heat and gently fold the cream into the tomato sauce.
5. Drain the rigatoni and add to the sauce.  Mix to combine and add in the fresh basil.
6. Serve immediately with some other veggies.  We like to serve this will steamed green beans or broccoli.  Yummy!