• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Subscribe to updates & get a free recipe book!

Subscribe & Get My Free Ebook!

Recipes, Crafts and More
  • About
  • Video Library
  • My Saved Recipe Box

Onion Rings & Things

Recipes, Crafts and More

  • All Recipes
  • By Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Bread and Baked Goods
    • Cocktails and Beverages
    • Desserts and Sweets
    • Main Dishes
    • Salads & Sides
    • Sandwiches & Snacks
    • Soups, Stews, Casseroles
    • Sauces, Dressings, Condiments
    • Fun Food
  • By Ingredient
    • Fish & Seafood
    • Fruits & Vegetables
    • Grains & Legumes
    • Eggs & Dairy
    • Potatoes, Pasta, Rice
    • Meat & Poultry
  • By Method
    • BBQ & Grill
    • Slow Cooker
    • Pressure Cooker
    • Oven
Home Meat and Poultry

Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Vodka Sauce

4.34
/5
40 mins
5 Comments
Jump to RecipePrint
By: LalainePosted: 01/23/2018Updated: 08/06/2018
3250 shares
  • Share
  • Email

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Spaghetti Pasta with Vodka Sauce and Italian sausage on a serving plate with garlic bread on the side

Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Vodka Sauce with creamy, meaty, and tasty sauce. Easy to make and perfect for busy weeknight dinners!

Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Vodka Sauce on a plate with garlic bread on the side
Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Vodka Sauce

I’ve been on a pasta binge these past weeks that every time G asked what’s for dinner, it was either cheesy spaghetti, baked ziti or a noodle dish of some sort. It came to a point where before he even asked, he already had a pot of water boiling. Ha!

Not that he was one to complain, the kind soul. Or had anything to complain about for that matter. I mean, the penne alfredo with broccoli was spot on. The one-pot BBQ chicken pasta we had a few days was out of this world delicious. The pesto pasta with bocconcini and cherry tomatoes prior that was scrumptious with sides of green salad and crusty french rolls.

And this spaghetti pasta with vodka sauce and Italian sausage? A-mah-zing! With creamy tomato sauce kicked up in flavor with a healthy splash of vodka and hearty chunks of spicy Italian sausage over al dente spaghetti, it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite!

Spaghetti alla Vodka with Italian sausage on a serving plate

 

What is Vodka Sauce

Vodka Sauce is a pasta sauce made from San Marzano crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Vodka, and Italian herbs. The alcohol in the vodka acts as an emulsifier which keeps the acidity of the tomatoes from separating the cream as well as enhances the flavor of the tomatoes creating a more intense taste.

Although this pink sauce is more commonly associated with penne, it’s equally delicious with your favorite type or shape of pasta.

Tips on How to Make Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Vodka Sauce:

  • If you want to temper the spice, use mild Italian sausage instead of the hot variety. If you love to kick up the heat, add crushed red pepper flakes when browning the meat.
  • To prevent the sauce from curdling, cook in a simmer and do not allow to boil when heavy cream is added.
  • If you’re planning the freeze the sauce for future use, store without the heavy cream and just add when reheating.
  • The crushed tomatoes are the cornerstone of this pasta with vodka sauce. Please make an effort to find San Marzano tomatoes which are Italian plum tomatoes known for their sweet flavor and deep red color.

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @OnionRingsAndThings on Facebook and Instagram!

Spaghetti alla Vodka with Italian sausage on a serving plate
4.34 from 9 votes

Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Vodka Sauce

Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Vodka Sauce with creamy, meaty, and tasty sauce. Easy to make and perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Author: Lalaine
Course: Main Entree
Print Pin It Email Recipe
8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 sweet onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 pound hot Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 can (28 ounces) San Marzano crushed tomatoes
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • basil leaves, chiffonaded
  • Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • In a pot over medium heat, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions for about 8 to 10 minutes or until firm to bite. In a colander, drain well.
  • In a pot over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Heat until butter begins to melt. 
  • Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 5 minutes or until softened and begins to slightly caramelize. Add garlic and cook for about 30 to 40 seconds or until aromatic.
  • Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking into pieces with back of the spoon, until lightly browned. Drain excess fat as needed.
  • Add vodka and cook for about 2 to 4 minutes or until reduced by half. 
  • Add chicken stock and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes or until meat is fully cooked and sauce is reduced. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add heavy cream and stir to combine. Continue to simmer for about 3 to 5 minute or until sauce begins to bubble. Remove from heat.
  • Divide spaghetti onto serving plates. Ladle sauce on top and garnish with basil leaves. Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 656kcal, Carbohydrates: 53g, Protein: 18g, Fat: 33g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Cholesterol: 88mg, Sodium: 616mg, Potassium: 639mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 695IU, Vitamin C: 11.8mg, Calcium: 80mg, Iron: 2.8mg

“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”

Did You Make This?

Mention @OnionRingsAndThings and hashtag your photo with #OnionRingsAndThings

Share

Save Recipe Saved! Rate It
Spaghetti alla Vodka with Italian sausage on a serving plate
Spaghetti Pasta with Vodka Sauce and Italian sausage on a serving plate with garlic bread on the side

 

About Lalaine

Welcome to Onion Rings and Things where you’ll find hundreds of comfort food recipes, crafts, and printables. Browse around and make something fun or tasty today! Read More

Crab Rangoon Wonton Cups with all the flavors of your favorite Chinese appetizer but baked for less guilt snacking. Crispy, creamy and tasty, they're a guaranteed party hit!
Previous Post
Crab Rangoon Wonton Cups
Chilaquiles with Salsa Verde topped with sour cream and chopped cilantro with avocado slices on the side on a plate
Next Post
Chilaquiles with Salsa Verde

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Ashley Priston says

    Posted on 9/21/15 at 7:17 am

    5 stars
    It looks delicious, I must try it at my home. Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe.

    Reply
  2. Daryle in VT says

    Posted on 9/19/15 at 11:52 am

    I’ve often wondered if vodka sauce was created by Hans Christian Anderson, shortly after his ramblings about an emperor. I am a retired bartender. The first thing a barkeep learns about vodka is that it has NO taste. Top shelf vodka has even less. It always amused me when a customer would complain that he/she couldn’t taste the vodka in their drink. Really?
    I wonder if the recipe would be offended if a splash of anisette replaced the vodka, after the sauce had simmered? At the very least one might actually taste the effect of the alcohol.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      Posted on 9/19/15 at 1:54 pm

      Hi Daryle

      Yes, you’re right. The sauce didn’t have any marked flavor from the Vodka (I used a reasonable quality, Ketel One). I thought the alcohol has cooked off, that’s why. Good to know Vodka doesn’t really have taste in the first place (thanks for the tip!) I think the addition of the Vodka is not for its taste but to help bring out the flavors of the tomatoes. It also acts as a stabilizer or emulsifier to keep the heavy cream from breaking down in the acids of the tomato sauce.

      PLease let me know how it turns out with the anisette 🙂

      Reply
      • Tony | Simple Awesome Cooking says

        Posted on 2/28/18 at 4:08 pm

        Interestingly, that’s the reason why I was told way back by a guy that his secret was to use Brandy instead of Vodka. It still had the alcohol that brought out the tomato flavor, but also added a unique sweetness to the sauce.

        Reply
        • Lalaine says

          Posted on 4/18/18 at 4:09 pm

          Thanks for the tip, Tony! Glad to see you back blogging 🙂

          Reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Welcome to Onion Rings and Things where you’ll find hundreds of comfort food recipes, crafts, and printables. Browse around and make something fun or tasty today!

Read More

Subscribe & Get My Free Ebook!

Get My Copy!

Subscribe & Get My Free Ebook!

Trending Recipes

cherry trifle dessert on a serving plate

Heaven on Earth Cake

Plump and pillowy, these IHOP Pancakes copycat are just as tasty and delicious as what you'd find in the restaurant yet cost a fraction of the price. You can easily double the recipe to feed a large crowd or add chopped fresh fruits to the batter for another layer of yum.

IHOP Pancakes Copycat

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Golden Corral Bourbon Street Chicken Copycat brings all the sweet, sticky, salty and yummy flavors you love right in your own kitchen. Only 3 ingredients and less than 20 minutes of cook time for an amazing dinner meal the whole family will love!

Golden Corral Bourbon Street Chicken Copycat

Holiday Sweet Treats

stacked Toffee Drop Cookies

Toffee Drop Cookies

holding chocolate caramel candies with fingers

Triple Treat Chocolate Caramel Candy Bars

Flourless Chocolate Fudge Crinkle Cookies stacked on on a plate

Flourless Chocolate Fudge Crinkle Cookies

white chocolate chip cookies on a wire rack to cool

Chocolate White Chocolate Chip Cookies

More Popular

Meat and Poultry

Tuscan soup in a white bowl

Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden’s Tuscan Soup)

pear salad with dried cranberries, feta cheese and poppy seed dressing on a serving plate

Pear and Feta Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Pork Chili Verde in a white bowl with tortilas on the side

Pork Chili Verde

Mexican Crab Cocktail in a white bowl with corn chips on the side

Mexican Crab Cocktail

Homemade Coconut Lime Body Scrub in a glass container

Coconut Lime Body Scrub

Homemade Cherry Hand Pies in a cloth-lined basket with fresh cherries on the side

Homemade Cherry Hand Pies

Browse All

Get a Free e-Cookbook!

Join our newsletter to get new recipe updates, a free copy of our Top 10 Pressure Cooker e-Cookbook, exclusive meal plans, and more.

As Featured On:

Back to Top
Back to Top
  • Privacy & Terms
  • Contact Us
© 2023 Onion Rings & Things
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled