Penne alla Vodka with Spicy Italian Sausage
Indulge in a delightful Italian classic with a spicy twist! This Penne alla Vodka recipe features hearty sweet Italian sausage sautéed to perfection with aromatic garlic and a kick of crushed red pepper flakes. The dish is elevated by a luscious tomato cream sauce, enriched with vodka, offering a beautiful blend of flavors that coat tender penne pasta. Finished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, this satisfying dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Crushed tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (canned)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Vodka
2 tablespoons (for deglazing)
Heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup (for richness)
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Sweet Italian sausage
1/2-1 lb (casings removed)
Instructions
1
Start by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Sauté until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
3
Once the sausage is browned, add in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture frequently until the garlic is fragrant and golden, about 1 to 2 minutes.
4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the salt. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
After simmering, carefully add the vodka and heavy whipping cream, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce back to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked penne to the sauce, tossing everything together for about 1 minute until the pasta is well coated.
6
Finally, stir in the freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penne alla Vodka with Spicy Italian Sausage?
It is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring penne pasta in a creamy tomato and vodka sauce, enhanced with sautéed sweet Italian sausage and a hint of spice.
How much penne pasta is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 lb of uncooked penne pasta.
What type of sausage is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 1 lb of sweet Italian sausage with the casings removed.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick from the addition of crushed red pepper flakes.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of tomatoes are best for the sauce?
A 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes is used to create the base of the sauce.
What is the role of vodka in this recipe?
Vodka is used to deglaze the pan and enrich the flavor of the tomato cream sauce.
How much heavy whipping cream is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream for richness.
What oil is recommended for sautéing?
Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil are used for sautéing the sausage.
How long should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente, typically about 8 to 10 minutes.
What is the garnish for this dish?
The dish is finished and garnished with 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The tomato mixture should simmer for approximately 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How do I prepare the sausage?
Remove the casings and break the sausage up with a spatula as it browns in the skillet.
Can I adjust the amount of red pepper flakes?
Yes, you can use 1/2 teaspoon or adjust the amount to your personal heat preference.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the garlic after the sausage has browned, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
How much salt is included in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
At what point is the vodka added?
Add the vodka along with the heavy whipping cream after the tomato sauce has finished its initial simmer.
How long should the pasta toss in the sauce?
Toss the cooked penne with the sauce for about 1 minute until it is well coated.
What are some suggested side dishes?
It is recommended to serve this dish with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
Should the pasta water be salted?
Yes, the penne should be cooked in a large pot of lightly salted water.
Can I use spicy sausage instead of sweet?
Yes, if you prefer even more heat, you can substitute the sweet Italian sausage for a spicy variety.
What should the garlic look like when done sautéing?
The garlic should be fragrant and golden but not burnt.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this a good weeknight meal?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
What is the heat level for cooking the sausage?
The sausage should be sautéed over medium heat.
Do I need to boil the sauce again after adding cream?
Yes, bring it back to a gentle boil before reducing to low heat to add the pasta.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While penne is traditional for this dish, other tubular pasta shapes would also work well.
How long does the sausage take to cook?
The sausage typically takes 5 to 7 minutes to brown and cook through.
Is the vodka safe to eat for everyone?
Most of the alcohol in the vodka cooks off during the boiling and simmering process, leaving only the flavor.