Vodka Cream Pasta

This is truly a one of a kind dish. Rachel Ray calls it the " You wont be single long pasta".  It is primarly a creamy tomato vodka sauce with your choice of ornamentation.

Today's sauce was a bit runny. I attempted to add a cup of chx broth and 1/3 cup of vodky.

Basic ingredients are as follows:

• 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (Optional)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (I would rather stew my own tomatoes)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vodka (Optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 links Italian sausage (Optional)

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. In large skillet, heat oil over moderate heat. Remove casing from sausage and add to skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat, until brown. Add garlic and red pepper and cook, stirring until garlic is golden brown.
3. Add tomatoes and salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
4. Add vodka and cream and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and add pasta, toss for 1 minute. Stir in fresh parsley and serve! 

A few extras that could be included are : 

Mushrooms (canned or Fresh) sauteed
Onions or shallots, chopped and caramelized
Basil instead of Parsley( Fresh!)
Italian seasoning shaker
Vodka or White Wine 
Italian Sausage
Canned Artichokes ( remember if you choose this that artichokes have a slight vinegar bite to it)


*REMEMBER TO ALWAYS TOP IT OFF WITH PARMESAN CHEESE!*


Dish was inspired from Rachael Ray's 30 Min Meals and Allrecipes.com