Baked Penne with Fennel

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 450. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring, until the fat renders, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour off the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the onion and fennel and cook until the fennel is soft, about 5 minutes. Crush the tomatoes into the pan with your hands, then pour in the juices from the can and bring to a simmer . Fill the empty can with 1/2 cup of the boiling water and add to the sauce . Stir in the cream and simmer while you cook the pasta . Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente . Drain and add to the sauce. Stir in the basil and 1/2 cup parmesan . Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and toss. Oil a 9-by-13-inch baking dish . Layer the pasta, mozzarella, fontina and the remaining 1/2 cup parmesan in the dish, alternating pasta and cheese. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bake, uncovered, until browned and bubbly, about 15 minutes. Per serving: Calories 757; Fat 45 g (Saturated 22 g); Cholesterol 117 mg; Sodium 939 mg; Carbohydrate 56 g; Fiber 6 g; Protein 33 g Photograph by Antonis Achilleos