Penne Pasta with Spicy Vodka Tomato Cream Sauce & Sweet Italian Sausage

Shared with me by: Ben (son)

Nice change from your typical tomato sauce.
The alcohol cooks off and can't be tasted. It helps to enhance the flavors.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. uncooked penne pasta
  • 2 (3.5 oz.) sweet Italian sausage links
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ t. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
  • 3/4 t. salt
  • 2 Tbls. vodka
  • 1/2 c. heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ c. chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 handfuls of fresh baby spinach, if desired

Instructions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

In large skillet, heat oil over moderate heat. Remove casings from sausage and add to skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat, until brown. Add garlic and red pepper and cook, stirring until garlic is golden brown.

Add tomatoes and salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.

Add vodka and cream and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and add pasta, toss for 1 minute. Add in fresh baby spinach if using and stir just until wilted a bit.

Stir in fresh parsley and serve!

Serves 4

NOTE: If using the Jennie-O brand, freeze remaining sausages for another use.