Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken sausage, casings removed
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped onion
  • 1 jalapeno, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped green pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Hungarian hot paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes with basil
  • 1/3 cup vodka
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound rigatoni
  • 1 cup grated Asiago cheese
  • 3 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves

Method

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil for the pasta.
  • In a large saute pan over medium heat melt butter with oil.
  • Add chicken sausage and brown, 3 to 4 minutes, breaking up large chunks with a wooden spoon.
  • Add onions, jalapenos and garlic and saute until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add green pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, to taste, and cook 3 minutes more.
  • Generously salt the pasta water and add the rigatoni.
  • Cook until al dente, about 12 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, add tomatoes to the sauce and bring to a simmer, for about 10 minutes.
  • Add vodka and cream and cook a few minutes more.
  • Toss in cheese and chopped parsley.
  • To serve, drain the pasta well and add to the sauce.
  • Mix until pasta is nicely coated.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.