My Secret Recipe Book (Vodka Pasta)

VODKA PASTA with ITALIAN SAUSAGE

This is the most amazing dish I've ever made! My husband requests it for every special dinner! His Birthday, Valentine's Day, our Anniversary, everything! And what's even better is it isn't that difficult, but guests would be SO IMPRESSED. 

Anyway, enough chit chat. Here's how you make it. 

First, take the vodka and sprinkle in 5 or so shakes of red pepper flakes. Let that sit there for 20 minutes or so. 

While that's infusing, you can start on your sauce.

Take a can of whole peeled tomatoes and throw them in your food processor. Blend until desired consistency. 

When the 20 minute vodka timer is about done, start melting the butter and add the heavy cream. Stir until combined. 

Then add the tomatoes and cook and stir for about 2 minutes. 

Then add the vodka (try to strain out the red pepper flakes as you pour it in). Cook for about 5 minutes. 

While you wait for that to cook start boiling your water for the pasta in a separate pan. Cook according to the package, drain and set aside until the sauce is finished.

Once the vodka has cooked 5 minutes, add the parmesan cheese a few shakes at a time. Then let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. 

While that simmers, start cooking your italian sausage. (You can use whatever kind of meat, vegetable, or don't use anything if you like). 

Once the sauce is a beautiful salmon color, add the pasta. Stir until a little thicker (add cheese if desired).

Finally add the sausage and dinner is served! 

And I also made some garlic bread out of some leftover hawaiian rolls, so easy and SO DELICIOUS!!!

Not really sure why I used all Christmas colored plates and bowls tonight, but that's just what came out of my cabinet...... It's my subconscious telling me I'm ready for Christmas!!! Only one more month...ish!!!

Serves 4 very hungry people, or 6 polite guests. 

Time: 45 minutes 

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup vodka

5 or so shakes of red pepper flakes

1 28oz can of whole peeled tomatoes

1.5- 2 sticks of butter

1 pint of heavy cream

1 lb. rigatoni (or your favorite pasta)

grated parmesan to taste 

salt and pepper to taste

1 lb. of Italian sausage (optional)

Leave a comment if you have any questions and ENJOY!!