Pasta with Pink Vodka Sauce and Sausage
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and flavorful Pasta with Pink Vodka Sauce and Sausage. Perfectly al dente penne pasta is smothered in a luxurious pink vodka sauce made with crushed tomatoes, a splash of vodka, and silky heavy cream. The addition of savory Italian sausage—choose mild or bring the heat with spicy—takes this dish to the next level, while sautéed garlic and onion infuse it with aromatic depth. A touch of Parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty finish, and a sprinkle of fresh basil adds the perfect pop of color and freshness. Easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, this creamy pasta dish is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad, and prepare to wow your guests with this irresistible Italian-inspired masterpiece.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cup vodka
- 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (break it up into small pieces) and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
Step 3
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Step 4
Carefully pour in the vodka, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.
Step 5
Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir well. Simmer the sauce gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6
Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to heat through, then add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Mix well to combine.
Step 7
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 8
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. If needed, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 9
Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1960.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3647.7 |
| Total Fat 181.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 79.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 440.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5989.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 316.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 28.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 36.2g | |
| Protein 108.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 684.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 20.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3151.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories