Creamy Vodka Penne with Italian Sausages
Indulge in a rich and flavorful dish with this Creamy Vodka Penne featuring savory Italian sausages. This recipe harmoniously combines the creaminess of half-and-half and tangy tomato sauce with the aromatic essence of garlic, cumin, and a splash of vodka. The colorful sautéed vegetables add freshness and nutrition while the pasta acts as the perfect vehicle to soak up the delectable sauce. Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread to elevate your dining experience. It's a dish that’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful culinary adventure that your family will crave again and again!
N/A
Servings
227
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian pork sausage
1 lb (sweet or spicy, casings pricked and sliced into rounds)
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (extra virgin)
Onion
1 large (diced)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Red pepper
1 medium (seeded and cut into strips)
Zucchini
1 medium (cut into strips)
Tomato sauce
1 (14 ounce) can
Salt
1 teaspoon
White pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Vodka
1/3 cup
Half-and-half cream
1/2 cup
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly grated if possible)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (freshly grated)
Penne
1 lb (cooked to al dente)
Parsley
1 tablespoon (finely chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by pricking the sausage casings several times and place them in a pot of lightly salted boiling water. Cook for 3 minutes, then drain the sausages, cool slightly, and slice them into rounds about 1/2 inch thick.
2
In a very large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausages, diced onion, and minced garlic, cooking until the sausages are lightly browned and the onion is soft, about 5-6 minutes.
3
Next, add the red pepper strips and zucchini to the skillet, stirring them in and cooking for an additional 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
4
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, approximately 9 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta well.
5
While the pasta cooks, return to your sausage mixture; add tomato sauce, salt, white pepper, and cumin. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken.
6
Pour in the vodka and continue to cook for an additional minute, ensuring you stir constantly to blend the flavors.
7
Lower the heat and stir in the half-and-half cream, nutmeg, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Let this simmer for around 2 minutes while stirring constantly, allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully.
8
Finally, add the drained penne to the skillet, tossing well to coat the pasta in the delicious sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
22g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vodka Penne with Italian Sausages?
It is a rich pasta dish featuring Italian sausages, penne, and a creamy tomato sauce enhanced with a splash of vodka and savory spices.
What kind of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of Italian pork sausage, which can be either sweet or spicy depending on your preference.
How should I prepare the sausages before sautéing?
Prick the casings several times and boil them in salted water for 3 minutes, then slice them into half-inch rounds.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The dish includes a diced large onion, a medium red pepper cut into strips, and a medium zucchini also cut into strips.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 lb of penne pasta cooked until al dente.
How long does it take to cook the penne?
According to the instructions, the penne takes approximately 9 minutes to reach an al dente texture.
What is the role of vodka in the sauce?
Vodka helps to emulsify the sauce and release flavors in the tomatoes that are otherwise alcohol-soluble.
Can I substitute half-and-half cream?
While the recipe calls for half-and-half, you could use heavy cream for a richer sauce or whole milk for a lighter version, though the consistency may vary.
What spices are used to season the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, white pepper, cumin, and freshly grated nutmeg.
How much vodka is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of vodka for this recipe.
What size can of tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires one 14-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Is there cheese in this recipe?
Yes, it uses 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese inside the sauce, plus extra for garnish.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 227 calories per serving in this recipe.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 10g of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This dish provides 12g of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this recipe?
There are 22g of carbohydrates per serving.
What are some recommended side dishes?
The recipe suggests pairing it with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
The instructions advise lowering the heat before stirring in the half-and-half cream.
What should I use for a garnish?
Use one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Is butter or oil used for sautéing?
Both are used: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
How long should the sauce simmer before adding the cream?
The tomato sauce mixture should simmer for about 6 minutes, followed by 1 minute after adding the vodka.
How long should the cream and cheese simmer?
Let the mixture simmer for around 2 minutes while stirring constantly until it thickens.
Can I use ground cumin?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of cumin to be added with the tomato sauce.
Does the recipe use garlic?
Yes, it uses 3 minced garlic cloves cooked with the onions and sausages.
Is the recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food, as well as a quick and easy dinner recipe.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients total used to prepare this dish.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, simply choose spicy Italian pork sausage instead of the sweet variety.
Is white pepper required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper, which provides a more subtle heat than black pepper.
How do I incorporate the pasta into the sauce?
Add the drained penne directly to the skillet and toss well to coat all the pasta in the sauce.
Is this a one-pot meal?
It is tagged as a one-dish meal, though it requires a pot for boiling the pasta and a large skillet for the sauce and sausages.