Email to Cat      

Penne à la Vodka Casserole

Source of Recipe

From "Emeril's Potluck" by Emeril Lagasse


Recipe Introduction

"A bit of vodka in pasta sauces gives them a real flavor boost. I like vodka sauce so much that I make one that can be found on the pasta aisle at your local grocery. But you know what? This homemade version is slightly different. Try it the next time you're craving Italian food."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
â—¦ 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, cut crosswise into 1-inch slices
â—¦ 1 pound hot Italian sausage, cut crosswise into 1-inch slices
â—¦ 4 cups thinly sliced onions
â—¦ 1 ¾ teaspoons salt
â—¦ ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
â—¦ ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
â—¦ 1 tablespoon minced garlic
â—¦ ½ cup vodka
â—¦ Two 16-ounce cans whole tomatoes, crushed with their juice
â—¦ 1 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence
â—¦ ½ cup heavy cream
â—¦ 1 tablespoon olive oil
â—¦ 1 pound penne pasta
â—¦ 15 ounces ricotta cheese
â—¦ 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
â—¦ 1 ½ cups grated mozzarella cheese
â—¦ Crusty bread, for serving


Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350° F.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over high heat. Add the sausages and cook, stirring, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onions, ¾ teaspoon salt, and the black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are just soft, about 4 minutes. Add the basil and garlic, and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the vodka and tomatoes, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 40 minutes. Add the Essence and heavy cream, stir to mix, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

To cook the pasta, combine 4 quarts water, the olive oil, and the remaining teaspoon salt in a large pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al dente, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from the heat and drain well. Combine half of the ricotta cheese and half of the Parmigiano-Reggiano with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Add the pasta and toss to coat evenly. Add the sausage mixture and mix well. Add the remaining ricotta cheese and the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano and mix well.

Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Makes 10 to 12 servings