Name: Vodka Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (1 stick); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 fresh basil leaves; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 cup vodka; 4 cloves garlic ( see notes in instructions); 2- 28-ounce cans Italian whole plum tomatoes, or use 2 pounds plum tomatoes, put through a food processor; 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup Romano cheese and more for garnish; 1 cup heavy cream; Optional: 1 pound loose ground Italian sweet sausage sauteed in olive oil and drained, or cubed cooked boneless seasoned chicken breast, or 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into strips; fresh basil for garnish; Pasta of choice: we love this sauce on Homemade Gnocchi or Rigatoni boiled in saltwater, then drained

If you are a fan of Penne alla Vodka, this Vodka sauce is one of the easiest recipes you will ever make!

The Italian American sauce is a smooth tomato sauce, vodka, typical Italian herbs, and heavy cream (which gives the sauce its creamy orange color).

If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish that feels like it came straight from an Italian trattoria, vodka sauce with sausage over gnocchi is a must-try.

It clings perfectly to any pasta of your choice and looks like you took all day to prepare it, when in fact it takes just a matter of minutes!

This sauce is perfect for entertaining the family or having a special dinner.

Our favorite pasta with this sauce is Homemade Gnocchi.

The options below will give you ideas on additions to the sauce to change it up every time, adding a few types of meat.

If you love this pasta sauce, do try our Traditional Sunday Italian Sauce or Marinara Sauce, both are fantastic on pasta!

Scroll down to the bottom to print off this simple recipe.

this is homemade gnocchi with sausage and vodka sauce

Why You Should Make Vodka Sauce with Sausage

Incredible Flavor: The vodka enhances the tomato sauce, releasing subtle sweetness and complexity, while heavy cream gives it a velvety texture.

Hearty & Satisfying: Italian sausage adds protein and a robust, savory punch, making it a complete and filling meal.

Restaurant Quality at Home: This dish tastes gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare in under an hour.

Perfect Pairing: Gnocchi’s soft, chewy texture soaks up the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful.

Although Penne Alla Vodka is the most popular pasta used, we really love ours with Homemade Gnocchi. We also love fettuccine, rigatoni, and homemade cavatelli.

Add a glass of Moscato and serve it with Grandma's Tuscan Garlic Bread, I promise you're going to love this meal.

Tips for the Best Vodka Sauce with Sausage:

Use ribbed-style pasta; it clings perfectly
Never rinse the pasta you use
We use a good grade of potato vodka
Either use peeled whole plum tomatoes, canned or fresh plum tomatoes forthe best results
If using chicken or loose sausage like sausage meats, always cook and season them first before adding
Only use fresh basil
Freshly grated cheeses are recommended
If you prefer no alcohol in your sauce, add lemon juice to water to substitute, but it will be an entirely different taste and dish
Use Quality Sausage; Choose sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your flavor preference. Remove the casings for a crumbled texture.
Fresh Gnocchi is Best; Store-bought gnocchi works well, but if you can, try making homemade for a pillowy texture that’s unmatched.
Add the Cream Last; Stir in the cream at the very end over low heat to keep the sauce smooth and prevent curdling.
Serve with Parmesan & Basil; Freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of basil or parsley brighten the dish and add a fresh aroma.

Our Best Recipe for Vodka Sauce: Final Thoughts

Vodka sauce with sausage over gnocchi is the kind of meal that turns any dinner into a celebration.

It’s hearty enough for a cold winter night yet elegant enough to serve guests.

With a few simple ingredients and some careful cooking tips, you can bring restaurant-quality Italian comfort food right to your table.

Serve it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, and a glass of wine for the ultimate experience.

Pin for Later

vodka sauce with sausage, creamy vodka sauce recipe, gnocchi with vodka sauce, Italian comfort food, easy pasta dinner, homemade vodka sauce, sausage pasta recipe, weeknight dinner idea, best gnocchi recipes

vodka recipes, vodka sauce, pasta sauce recipes

American, Italian

Yield: 8

Author: Claudia Lamascolo