This post is brought to you by Classico Riserva.
The content and opinions expressed below are that of Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats.
Sausage Penne Alla Vodka is hearty, robust and the perfect family dish!
So can I tell you something? The new Classico Riserva pasta sauces are legit. This new line of premium pasta sauce has an exceptional taste that helps to elevate any meal.
When I was given two jars to experiment with and develop a recipe around I was ecstatic. Jumping for joy really. I {heart} pasta sauces. They get me excited and all giddy. Who doesn't love a good pasta dish?
I knew right away the dish that I wanted to create. It was one I've wanted to do for years and for whatever reason had never made. Penne Alla Vodka. I wanted it to be a dish that people didn't shy away from because they thought it would be too difficult. Because guess what? In under an hour, this was ready.
I picked the jar of Arrabbiate sauce for this recipe. It's a tad spicy, hearty and full of flavor - with just a small kick of red pepper flakes. All of Classico Riserva's sauce are made with no artificial ingredients or added sugar. Their vine-ripened tomatoes are picked at the peak of sweetness and are perfectly balanced with herbs and spices, extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of sea salt and then simmered to perfection.
If you know me well, then you know I also make my own sauces, especially in the summer when my garden produce is in overhaul mode. But...I love a great jarred sauce as well. Why not cut out 10 steps and just open a bottle of the good stuff? Yeah, no argument there.
The overall campaign for these sauces is pretty neat. Why not just make food simple and real and down right enjoyable?
And with every recipe there is a story...
This past week grew a bit busy, day by and day, I scheduled play dates each morning to keep the kids busy {and myself sane} and the night before I needed to make this dish I realized I didn't have the one MAIN ingredient needed.
Vodka.
So I promptly texted my girlfriends late at night and asked if someone, anyone, could bring a 1/2 cup of vodka to the next morning's play date. Because girlfriends, kids and vodka go great together.
Well, since they are superb friends, one came with vodka in hand, her kids in the other and all was well with the world. I'm sure her husband wonders where it went. Let's keep it a secret, shall we?
Wow. This pasta is delicious. I really can't imagine anyone who wouldn't enjoy it. Great for an easy weeknight meal, a fancy dinner or packed up and taken to a friend in need.
Sausage Penne Alla Vodka
Print this Recipe!1 lb. ground pork sausage
1 jar Classico Riserva Arrabbiatta sauce
16.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3-4 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 t. salt
2 T. olive oil
3/4 c. half and half
1/2 c. ricotta cheese
1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb. penne pasta
1. In a large stock pot cook the ground sausage until juices run clear. Drain off the grease, remove from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same stock pot add in the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the onions and garlic and cook until translucent. Add in the chopped basil and salt and cook another minute.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, jarred sauce and vodka to the stock pot, cooking to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 40 minutes.
4. While the sauce is simmering cook the penne in salted water to al dente. Drain and add to the simmering sauce.
5. Toss the penne and sauce with the ricotta and Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve warm.
I would LOVE to here how you would use the new line of Classico Riserva's sauces in your home. A new recipe? A tried and true family recipe? Let me know!
Leave a comment below telling me how you'd use these sauces {recipe links and photos encouraged!} and I'll choose one random winner to WIN TWO VIP COUPONS so they can get cooking.
Good luck!
Classico Riserva Pasta Sauce
