Penne & Sausages a La Vodka

This recipe is an original creation specifically for the cooking contest. I used the mild Italian sausages but you could increase the heat by using the spicy type & adding more cumin. I served it with Caesar salad & Garlic bread. My DH just loved the sauce & wants me to make this dish again!!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  lb Italian pork sausage (sweet or spicy)
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  large onion, diced
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  medium  red pepper, seeded & cut into strips
• 1  medium zucchini, cut into strips
• 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cumin
• 1⁄3 cup vodka
• 1⁄2 cup half-and-half cream
• 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1⁄3 cup  freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1  lb penne
• 1  tablespoon parsley, finely chopped

Directions

1. Prick sausage casings several times& cook in lightly salted, boiling water for 3 minutes.
2. Drain, cool& slice into rounds about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Melt butter& oil in a very large skillet.
4. Add sausages, onion & garlic; cook on medium heat until sausages are lightly browned.
5. Add peppers & zucchini & cook for 2 minutes.
6. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
7. Add penne & cook, according to package directions, until al dente (approx 9 minutes).
8. Drain well.
9. In the meantime, add tomato sauce, salt, pepper & cumin to the sausage mixture.
10. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes or until sauce starts to thicken.
11. Add vodka & cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
12. Add the cream, nutmeg& Parmesan; simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add pasta to skillet; toss or stir well and serve sprinkled with parsley & additional Parmesan.