Penne with Sausage and Vodka Tomato Cream Sauce

An elegant pasta dish that's sure to impress company. Most people I've showed this recipe to in the past have taken to making it fairly often, it's not hard at all.

Usually it's all tossed together, this time I layered it on the pasta for whatever reason.

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 links hot Italian sausage
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons vodka
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

450 grams penne (pre-cooked weight), cooked and drained


Directions

In large skillet, heat oil over moderate heat. Remove casing from sausage and add to skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned. Add garlic and red pepper and cook, stirring until garlic is golden brown.

Add tomatoes and salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.

Add vodka and cream and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, add the other 2 tbls vodka and add pasta, toss to cover penne with sauce. Stir in fresh parsley and serve. Garnish with fresh grated parmesean and additional parsley if desired.