Chunky Spicy Sausage Vodka Cream Pasta
Indulge in the rich and savory layers of flavor with our Chunky Spicy Sausage Vodka Cream Pasta. This recipe combines the delightful creaminess of vodka sauce with the hearty texture of deliciously browned Italian sausage and perfectly cooked penne. As it simmers, the sauce thickens, making every bite a delight. Ideal for family gatherings or a comforting dinner by the fireplace, this dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and crispy garlic bread. Prepare in a skillet or let the magic happen in a Crock-Pot for a fuss-free meal that is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
1 lb (cooked al dente)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
garlic
4 cloves (minced)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon
chili pepper
1 teaspoon (optional, for extra heat)
crushed tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can
onion
1 (chopped)
vodka
1/2 cup
heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped, for garnish)
hot Italian sausage
7-12 ounces (casings removed, chunkiness your preference)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over moderate heat. Remove the casing from the hot Italian sausage and add the sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is evenly browned. If necessary, drain excess fat.
3
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and chili pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir and cook until the onion is softened and the garlic has turned golden brown.
4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If desired, cook longer to achieve a thicker sauce.
5
Add the vodka and heavy whipping cream to the skillet, stirring until well combined. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce heat to low and allow it to simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
6
To serve, spoon the thick, creamy sauce over the cooked penne pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chunky Spicy Sausage Vodka Cream Pasta?
It is a rich and savory pasta dish featuring browned Italian sausage, a creamy tomato-vodka sauce, and penne pasta.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Penne pasta is recommended because its tubular shape holds the chunky sauce well.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is versatile and can be made in a Crock-Pot for a fuss-free meal.
What kind of sausage should I use?
The recipe calls for hot Italian sausage with the casings removed for a spicy and chunky texture.
Is this pasta dish very spicy?
It has a significant kick due to the hot Italian sausage, crushed red pepper flakes, and an optional chili pepper.
How can I make the sauce less spicy?
You can use mild Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes and chili pepper to reduce the heat.
Why is vodka used in the sauce?
Vodka acts as an emulsifier to maintain a smooth texture between the acidic tomatoes and the heavy cream while enhancing flavors.
Can I substitute the heavy whipping cream?
Heavy whipping cream provides the best thick consistency, though you can use half-and-half for a lighter but thinner sauce.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce simmers in two stages: 30 minutes after adding tomatoes and another 30 minutes after adding the cream and vodka.
What should I serve as a side dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and crispy garlic bread.
How do I prepare the sausage for the sauce?
Remove the casings and brown the meat in a skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into your preferred chunk size.
What type of tomatoes are required?
You will need one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes for the base of the sauce.
Do I need to drain the fat from the sausage?
Yes, after browning the sausage, it is recommended to drain any excess fat before adding the vegetables.
What is the role of the onion and garlic?
They provide a savory, aromatic foundation that builds depth in the vodka cream sauce.
How much vodka is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of vodka to balance the creaminess.
Is the sauce thick or thin?
The sauce is intended to be thick and creamy, coating the penne pasta thoroughly.
What garnish is recommended?
Fresh chopped parsley is used as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I add extra vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be great additions to this hearty sauce.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
No, this recipe contains 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream.
How much pasta should I cook?
The recipe is designed for 1 lb of penne pasta.
How do I ensure the garlic doesn't burn?
Sauté the minced garlic until it is golden brown and fragrant, usually alongside the onions over moderate heat.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
It means cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite, which is ideal since it will be tossed with hot sauce.
Does the alcohol in the vodka stay in the dish?
Most of the alcohol content evaporates during the 30-minute simmering stage after it is added.
Can I use a different pasta shape like rigatoni?
Yes, rigatoni or fusilli are excellent substitutes because they also capture chunky sauces well.
What makes the sauce 'chunky'?
The chunkiness comes from the chopped onions and the browned bits of Italian sausage.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 minced cloves of garlic.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Fresh parsley is preferred for garnish, but dried parsley can be stirred into the sauce for flavor.
Is this a one-pot meal?
While you boil pasta separately, the sauce and sausage are prepared in a single skillet, and it can also be adapted for a Crock-Pot.
What is the recommended serving size?
The recipe uses 1 lb of pasta, which typically serves approximately 4 to 6 people.