INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound bucatini pasta
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 8 ounces pancetta, diced
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes with basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions; drain. 

2. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add the pancetta, onion, garlic, basil and red pepper flakes; cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown, 12-14 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and salt, bring to simmer and cook until thickened, about 15 minutes. Add pasta and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 1 minute. Divide among serving plates and top with grated cheese. 

Adjust the heat in this dish to suit your palate, and if you have a mixed crew of spice lovers and spice-avoiders, simply pass the red pepper flakes and let diners choose.