Save This creamy vodka penne with sausage is pure comfort food for busy nights and dinner parties alike. Spicy Italian sausage and a rich tomato vodka sauce cling to every tube of pasta, making each bite special and deeply satisfying. Every time I make this, it feels like a restaurant meal I can pull off at home without fuss.
The aroma alone always gets my family excited at dinnertime. I once served this for friends and had to write out the recipe by dessert because they could not stop talking about the sauce.
Ingredients
- Penne pasta: Holds the sauce perfectly Choose bronze-die cut for best texture
- Spicy Italian sausage: Brings savory heat and plenty of flavor Look for sausage with visible herbs and a fresh pink-red color
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the sausage brown Use extra virgin for the best taste
- Yellow onion finely chopped: Mellows and sweetens the sauce Pick one that feels firm and heavy
- Garlic cloves minced: Essential for depth and aroma Choose plump cloves with no green shoots
- Red pepper flakes optional: Gives additional heat and complexity Use fresh or toast lightly for best flavor
- Canned crushed tomatoes: Makes a velvety sauce Find an Italian or San Marzano variety for subtle sweetness
- Tomato paste: Boosts richness and thickens the sauce Look for double-concentrated for a more robust flavor
- Vodka: Adds brightness and helps emulsify the creamy base No need to buy top-shelf just a clean clear vodka
- Heavy cream: Brings silky smoothness Use fresh cream with a slight sweetness
- Parmesan cheese grated: Salty umami finish Buy a wedge and grate it yourself for ultimate melt and flavor
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Balances richness and lifts the flavors
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped: Bright garnish that brings freshness Pick vibrant green leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and plenty of salt Bring it to a rolling boil Add penne and cook until just al dente usually one minute less than the package suggests Reserve half a cup of cooking water before draining to help the sauce mingle with the pasta
- Brown the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Once shimmering add sausage break up into bite-size pieces with a wooden spoon Cook until deeply browned and cooked through with slightly crisp edges This should take about seven minutes Spoon out excess fat for a lighter sauce
- Build the Aromatic Base:
- To the skillet with sausage add chopped onion Sauté over medium heat until onion becomes tender and translucent about four minutes Add garlic and red pepper flakes Cook until fragrant about one minute avoiding burning for a sweet mellow base
- Enrich the Sauce:
- Stir in tomato paste Cook for one minute scraping up bits from the pan Pour in vodka Let it bubble and reduce for two or three minutes The alcohol will mostly cook off leaving a subtle zing
- Simmer with Tomatoes:
- Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet Season with salt and pepper Stir occasionally and let the mixture simmer gently for about ten minutes letting the flavors deepen and the sauce thicken
- Create the Creamy Finish:
- Lower the heat to avoid curdling Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese Simmer for two or three more minutes until the sauce turns luxuriously silky and glossy
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the drained penne to the skillet Toss well so every piece is coated If the sauce seems thick add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency
- Taste and Serve:
- Sample for salt and pepper adjustment Spoon into warm bowls Garnish generously with more Parmesan and fresh herbs Serve and watch everyone swoon
Save I always look forward to tossing in big handfuls of grated Parmesan at the end It melts in and transforms the whole dish into a creamy dream My kids love swirling their pasta through the silky sauce while we swap stories about our day
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days Just cool quickly and store in a tightly sealed container Reheat slowly on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess
Ingredient Substitutions
Sweet Italian sausage can replace spicy for those who do not want heat For a lighter dairy profile swap half of the heavy cream for whole milk or even Greek yogurt You can use rigatoni or ziti instead of penne if needed
Serving Suggestions
This pasta shines alongside a peppery arugula salad For extra comfort offer a loaf of warm crusty bread and a bowl of herb-marinated olives It also pairs nicely with a glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon slices
Cultural and Historical Context
Vodka pasta hails from Italian-American kitchens and shot to international fame for its signature velvet sauce The vodka works magic emulsifying tomatoes and cream Traditional recipes can vary but spicy sausage gives it a heartier twist perfect for family tables
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer try garnishing with chopped cherry tomatoes and basil For colder months add sautéed mushrooms or roasted peppers to the sauce Bulk up the dish for a crowd by doubling the recipe and baking with mozzarella
Success Stories
A neighbor once asked for this after smelling it from next door at suppertime Every time I serve it for a celebration dinner it disappears before I can even blink The recipe has found its way to many of my friends kitchens with rave reviews
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze the sauce portion on its own Let it cool and pack in freezer-safe containers Thaw and reheat slowly before adding fresh cooked pasta This is my go-to option for make-ahead dinner parties
Save Enjoy every creamy bite and let the aroma fill your kitchen. Serve with extra herbs for a restaurant-style touch.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of sausage works best?
Spicy Italian sausage delivers robust flavor, but sweet Italian sausage can be used for a milder taste.
- → Can I make this dish less rich?
Yes, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the sauce while maintaining a creamy texture.
- → Is there a vegetarian substitute for sausage?
You can use plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
Pairing this pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio enhances its creamy, savory flavors.
- → How can I control the spiciness?
Adjust the red pepper flakes or choose mild sausage to control the heat level to your preference.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
It keeps well in the fridge for up to two days and reheats nicely, making it great for meal prep.