Pasta Alla Vodka

This is a recipe I got from my mother-in-law. This is a great pasta sauce. It has become a main dish for gatherings ( not to mention the most requested dish). I usually double the amount of heavy cream and use a little more sausage. Be aware, this mixture does splatter a lot. The recipe says to use right away but I have made it a day ahead of time and it is just as good. It even freezes well.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup  virgin olive oil
• 2  Italian sausages
• 4  minced garlic cloves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (20 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 3⁄4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1⁄2 cups heavy cream
• 2  tablespoons vodka
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh parsley
• 1  lb penne pasta

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. add sausage without casings and crumble to small pieces cooking until lightly browned.
3. add garlic and red pepper and cook until golden.
4. add tomatoes and sea salt and bring to a boil while stirring.
5. reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. add vodka and cream to sauce and again bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
7. pour sauce over cooked pasta.
8. sprinkle with parsely as a garnish.