Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil in a large stock pot. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Cook according to instructions on the package, draining the pasta when it still has a small bite to it.
16 ounces penne pasta, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 small yellow onion, 2 garlic cloves
Add the pancetta, and sauté until lightly browned. Stir in the vodka, scraping up the browned bits at the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer, and cook until it is reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
5 ounces pancetta, 1/3 cup vodka
Stir in the tomato sauce and half and half. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered over low heat for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
1/2 cup half and half, 15 ounces tomato sauce
Stir in the cooked penne, and serve topped with the grated Parmesan cheese.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese