Fusilli with Mixed Vegetable Sauce

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until soft, about 10 minutes. Add pancetta (or ham) and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, then add eggplant, bell peppers and zucchini. Season with salt. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables start to soften, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes and crushed red pepper. Raise heat to medium-high and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes collapse and begin to form a sauce, about 10 minutes.

Pour in water, cover, reduce heat to maintain a bare simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Check occasionally, adding a little more water if needed to achieve a saucelike consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, cook fusilli in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain. Transfer to a warm bowl. Add the sauce and cheese and toss well. Serve immediately on warm plates.