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Savory Penne alla Vodka with Italian Sausage

Penne alla Vodka with Italian Sausage - featured image
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A comforting and easy weeknight dinner featuring penne pasta in a creamy vodka sauce with flavorful Italian sausage. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) penne rigate pasta
  • 1 pound (450 grams) sweet or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces / 800 grams) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) vodka
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450 grams) of Italian sausage (removed from casings) and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the finely chopped small yellow onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Pour in 1 can (28 ounces/800 grams) of crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Then, carefully add 1/4 cup (60 ml) vodka. Let the sauce simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the alcohol cook off and the flavors meld.
  5. Stir in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using). Return the cooked sausage to the pan. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns a lovely pinkish color.
  6. Add the drained penne to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top and add freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce tastes acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Simmer vodka long enough (8-10 minutes) to cook off alcohol and avoid harsh taste. Brown sausage well for best flavor. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: penne alla vodka, Italian sausage pasta, creamy vodka sauce, easy pasta dinner, weeknight dinner, Italian recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/savory-penne-alla-vodka-with-italian-sausage-easy-recipe-for-dinner-success/