Vodka Cream Pasta with Italian Sausage
This is my version of Rachel Ray’s, “You won’t be single for long vodka cream pasta.” In my version, I added Italian sausage, because my man, or any man I would have interest in, couldn’t be won over with a solely vegetarian dish. The first dinner I made for my husband wasn’t this vodka cream pasta, but it was a similar dish, a spaghetti at my mother’s house. It obviously easily won him over. I believe in the power of a good pasta to win a man’s heart. I remember making everything that night, but I had forgot to make garlic toast. I was about to serve him when my mom came in, and was seriously concerned that I had not prepared garlic bread. She made me make the garlic bread first before serving the pasta. I’m not sure if this sealed the deal or not. I think it was just icing on the cake. Since then, I have been more conscious of details at dinner. It’s the little things that make the difference. This weekend we will be celebrating our 16th anniversary, not wedding, I’ve always said that means nothing to me, but the anniversary of the day we started “going together.” You know that time where you were too young to actually date, you just spend all your free time together on the phone and together in between class and at lunch? Over the years, I’ve done some pretty silly things in order to spend more time with him, and I don’t regret one decision. I’ve enjoyed every minute we’ve spent together. Happy anniversary Babe, and hopefully this will keep you hooked another 16 years.
Yield: Serves 4
Vodka Cream Pasta with Italian Sausage Recipe
Ingredients:
5 links sweet Italian sausage, cut in bite size pieces
1 32 oz can Italian tomatoes with basil (I like Cento)
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 cup vodka
1 cup cream
a large bunch of basil, roughly chopped or torn
olive oil
kosher salt
penne pasta
Directions:
Preheat large skillet. Drizzle with olive oil and add sausage to pre-heated pan. Brown sausage. Add onions and garlic and saute until translucent. Add tomatoes. Add vodka. Turn heat to a simmer. Break up tomatoes with a spoon or potato masher.
In a separate saucepan, while sauce is simmering, bring water to boil for pasta. Cook pasta according to package directions.
When pasta is done, Add cream to sauce and bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Add basil and stir until just wilted. Serve over pasta, and don't forget the garlic toast!