Vodka Penne with Sausage (Printable)

Creamy penne with spicy sausage in rich vodka tomato sauce for a cozy Italian-inspired meal.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz penne pasta

→ Sausage

02 - 10 oz spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

→ Sauce Base

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
07 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
08 - 3 tablespoons tomato paste
09 - 1/3 cup vodka

→ Cream and Cheese

10 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
11 - 2 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

→ Seasonings and Garnish

12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain using a colander.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary.
03 - Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute. Deglaze with vodka, simmering for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
05 - Add crushed tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Decrease heat to low. Incorporate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmering gently for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
07 - Add drained penne to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water as needed to achieve preferred consistency.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning. Plate hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to make in under an hour with simple supermarket ingredients
  • Luxurious texture and bold flavors turn weeknight dinners into an event
  • Flexible for different spice levels and cheese preferences
02 -
  • Adaptable for milder taste by using sweet sausage
  • Sauce can be made in advance and reheated for busy nights
  • Pairs beautifully with crunchy salads and garlic bread
03 -
  • Take your time browning the sausage for maximum flavor
  • Always grate your own Parmesan for melt and taste
  • Reserve extra pasta water to help control the sauce consistency
  • Taste the sauce throughout and season with confidence It is the key to making this dish your own

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