A quick and easy girl dinner🎀🩷

Ingredients

• 4 quarts Water (for boiling pasta)
• 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (to season pasta water)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for browning sausage)
• 2 links Hot Italian Sausage (about 6 oz each, casings removed)
• 8 ounces Penne Rigate Pasta (about 2 cups dry)
• 1 jar (24 oz) Carbone Vodka Sauce (store‑bought)
• 0.25 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (for richness)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
• 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped for garnish (optional))

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta Water

   Fill the large pot with 4 quarts of water, bring to a rolling boil, then add 1 tablespoon kosher salt.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 212°F

2. Brown Italian Sausage

   Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the sausage links (removed from casings) and crumble with a spoon, cooking until nicely browned and cooked through, about 5‑6 minutes.

   Time: PT6M

   Temperature: medium-high

3. Cook Pasta

   Add the 8 oz dry penne to the boiling water, stir, and cook according to package directions (8‑10 minutes) until al dente.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 212°F

4. Reserve Pasta Water

   Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside in a heat‑proof measuring cup.

   Time: PT1M

5. Drain Pasta

   Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside; do not rinse.

   Time: PT1M

6. Combine Sauce

   In the same skillet (remove excess fat if desired), add the Carbone vodka sauce jar, pour in the reserved pasta water, and stir or shake to combine.

   Time: PT2M

7. Add Sausage Back

   Return the browned sausage to the skillet, breaking up any large pieces, and stir to coat with sauce.

   Time: PT1M

8. Finish Sauce

   Stir in 0.25 cup heavy whipping cream, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 2‑3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: simmer

9. Mix Pasta with Sauce

   Add the drained pasta to the skillet, toss to coat evenly, and cook together for 1 minute.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: medium

10. Plate and Serve

    Divide the pasta onto plates, garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

650

Protein

25 g

Carbohydrates

70 g

Fat

30 g

Fiber

3 g