What's For Dinner?

Penne with Vodka Tomato Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil
2-3 links mild Italian Sausage (also can use hot or sweet)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tspn. crushed red pepper
1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes (Italian-seasoned helps!)
3/4 tspn. salt
2 T. vodka
1/2 cup heavy cream
fresh basil or parsley (optional)
1 lb. rigatoni (or other ridged pasta)

Directions:
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. (Note: I usually start the water when I start the sausage, then let the pasta cook while the sauce simmers a bit.)

In large skillet, heat oil over moderate heat. Remove casing from sausage and add to skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with fork, 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. Stir in fresh parsley or basil and serve!

Servings: 4 huge servings to 8 smaller servings
Time to Prepare: 25 minutes

Submitted By: Erin

Comments:
Can use half-and-half and/or Turkey Italian Sausage to lighten up. Also good with chicken and spinach or with peas added to the sauce... goes well with pretty much anything!

I also buy the crushed tomatoes with Italian herbs/seasoning, or else I add the seasonings to taste myself.

Additional Comments:
Katherine - This is how i always make my pasta. I add mushrooms and stewed tomatoes to it. Could also be good if its all baked up with some smoked mozzarella.