Description
Penne alla Vodka with Sausage is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a rich vodka-infused tomato and cream sauce, enhanced with Italian sausage, garlic, onions, and fresh basil. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
Sauce and Sausage
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 1/2 small onion, chopped finely
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, sliced thin (optional, to taste)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a generously salted pot of water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter, Italian sausage meat, and chopped onions. Cook for 7-10 minutes until the sausage is nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and vodka: Stir in the minced garlic and vodka into the skillet. Let the sauce bubble for about 30 seconds to cook off the alcohol and meld the flavors.
- Create the cream sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and heavy cream, mixing until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce warm through, thickening to your preferred consistency.
- Season and combine: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh basil if it’s being used. Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of hot pasta water if needed to thin the sauce. Serve topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- The tomato paste adds depth and richness; use a good-quality brand for best flavor.
- Adjust the vodka quantity to your taste preference or omit if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a lovely aroma and freshness to the dish.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with vegetarian sausage to adapt to dietary preferences.
