Cook the bacon in the microwave until it's just done and no longer pink. (Wash your hands after touching any raw bacon.) While the bacon is cooking, peel and chop one whole shallot. When the bacon is done, blot it with paper towels and cut the bacon into ¾-inch pieces.
Heat a large skillet on medium-high. Add oil and butter and stir to melt the butter. Add shallots. Cook until tender. Stir in the vodka and let it cook for 3 minutes to reduce. Stir in crushed tomatoes and the bacon. Put the heat on low and add cream. Stir to combine. Add about ¾ teaspoon black pepper. Let the sauce cook on low for 20 minutes, adding cheese during the last five minutes. After the cheese is added, taste for salt. Salt lightly if needed.
While the sauce is cooking, put a large pot of water on the stove to boil with about a teaspoon of salt. About 10 minutes before the sauce is done, add pasta to the boiling water. Cook the pasta until al dente (check it three minutes before the al dente time listed on the package.) Drain the pasta. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine.
Serve with extra grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes at the table.
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Notes
Where to get pomegranate vodkaYou can purchase pomegranate vodka at the liquor store or through an online vendor.You also could try adding a little pomegranate juice(affiliate link) to regular vodka.What's a shallot?If you've never used shallots, they look like small brown onions on the outside. When you peel them, you will find clusters of purple cloves. They taste like mild onions, yet sweeter, and almost melt when sautéed. The result is delicious flavor without noticeable chunks. If you don't have a shallot, you could substitute half of a small red onion.