Spicy Vodka Pasta has become a modern classic, combining the rich flavors of a creamy tomato sauce with a kick of spice and a splash of vodka to enhance the overall flavor. In this version, we add mild Italian sausage for an extra layer of savoriness, making this dish hearty and satisfying. Paired with orecchiette or small shell pasta, this spicy, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish is sure to be a hit for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (3 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 3 tablespoons vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 8 ounces of orecchiette pasta (or small shell-shaped pasta)
- 1 cup starchy pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
For Serving:
- More freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- While the pasta is cooking, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the mild Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- After cooking, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Vodka Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the minced shallot over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Stir in the tomato paste, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize and deepen in flavor.
- Carefully add the vodka, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 1 minute to evaporate the alcohol.
- Incorporate the heavy cream, mixing it well with the tomato mixture.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sausage
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter, allowing them to melt into the sauce.
- Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and mix to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Gently toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with more freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and fresh basil leaves.
- Enjoy your creamy, spicy, and delicious vodka pasta!
Conclusion:
This Spicy Vodka Pasta with Italian Sausage is a decadent and flavorful dish that blends creamy tomato sauce, spicy heat, and savory sausage. It’s an easy recipe that delivers big on taste, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests. The combination of cream, Parmesan, and vodka makes the sauce luxuriously smooth, while the sausage adds depth and heartiness.
Spicy Vodka Pasta with Italian Sausage
This Spicy Vodka Pasta with Italian Sausage is arich, creamy pasta dish featuring a vodka-spiked tomato sauce, hearty Italiansausage, and a touch of spice. Serve it with orecchiette or small shell pasta,and finish with freshly grated Parmesan and basil.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot minced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup 3 oz tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/4 –1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to your spice preference
- 3 tablespoons vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage removed from casing
- 8 ounces of orecchiette pasta or small shell-shaped pasta
- 1 cup starchy pasta water reserved from cooking the pasta
For Serving:
- More freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- While the pasta is cooking, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the mild Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- After cooking, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Vodka Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the minced shallot over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Stir in the tomato paste, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize and deepen in flavor.
- Carefully add the vodka, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 1 minute to evaporate the alcohol.
- Incorporate the heavy cream, mixing it well with the tomato mixture.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sausage
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter, allowing them to melt into the sauce.
- Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and mix to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Gently toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with more freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and fresh basil leaves.
- Enjoy your creamy, spicy, and delicious vodka pasta!