PENNE & SAUSAGES A LA VODKA

Penne & Sausages a La Vodka image

Provided by CountryLady

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

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

Steps:

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