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BBQing With The Nolands Baking Up Love

Pasta

Noshing With the Nolands » Dinner » Pasta

Penne alla Vodka Casserole

By Tara Noland on June 14, 2013 | Updated March 28, 2023

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Penne Alla Vodka Casserole is the best recipe filled with sausage, garlic, onion, tomatoes, basil, cheeses, and yes, vodka!! It is a fantastic pasta that we have loved for years. 

Day 4 of 5 Days of Pasta and today I give you an Emeril Lagasse recipe from his new cookbook, Emeril’s Potluck. I was fortunate to have won this cookbook through a giveaway that #SundaySupper was hosting.

This cookbook has very few pictures but page after page of amazing recipes. I wanted to try something from it and so today I give you Penne alla Vodka Casserole.

This recipe had me thinking of my dad. He would have loved this recipe. He was a huge fan of Italian food and loved pasta, most of all a cream/tomato sauce.

This one is for you dad, Happy Father’s Day!! This pasta casserole is so full of flavor, with two kinds of sausage and lots of cheese!!

Emeril’s recipes are always a sure-fire hit. We enjoyed this very much and I hope you do. ENJOY!!

Yelloe and white casserole dish of penne a la vodka with a spoon in it

I loved watching Emeril when he had his TV show on. Always loved the “BAM” and this recipe has some of his spice in it. Make up a batch and have it on hand to use in so many dishes. 

Yellow and white casserole dish with baked Penne a la vodka

Doesn’t this look amazing to dig into? I know you will want to try this recipe very soon. It is the perfect fall and winter comfort food!

Penne a la vodka in a yellow nad white casserole dish

Nothing like a big load of carbs to make you feel homey and comforted. This is a great company-worthy meal, the name alone sounds like a party!! 

Penne a la vodka in a casserole dish with a serving spoon

Fit for a big gathering or potluck, you will be making this dish again and again. Add in our Italian Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing and you have a complete meal. ENJOY!!

Penne a la vodka in a yellow and white casserole dish

Pin it HERE!!

Penne alla Vodka Casserole hero.

Penne alla Vodka Casserole

Tara Noland
Penne Alla Vodka Casserole is a fantastic pasta dish so full of flavor!!
4.50 from 14 votes
Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 799 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 4 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage cut into 1″ slices
  • 1 lb. hot Italian sausage cut into 1″ slices
  • 4 cups thinly sliced onions
  • 1 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
  • 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 2-16 oz. can whole tomatoes crushed with their juices
  • 1 tsp. Emeril’s Original Essence
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lb. penne pasta
  • 15 oz. ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
  • Crusty bread for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil over high heat, add the sausages, and cook until browned.
  • Add the onions, 3/4 tsp salt, and the black pepper. Saute until onions are transparent. Stir in the basil and garlic and cook for another 2 min.
  • Add the vodka and tomatoes. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 40 min. Add the Essence and the cream, stir to mix and simmer for 5 min. Remove from heat. Set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of water to boil with the remaining tsp. of salt. Add the pasta and boil until al dente according to manufacturer’s instructions. Drain.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Combine half of the ricotta and half the Parmesan with the remaining 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Add the pasta and toss to coat.
  • Next, add the sausage mixture and the remaining ricotta and Parmesan, mix well.
  • Spray a 9×13" baking dish with cooking spray and add mixture.
  • Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 45 min. until golden brown and heated through. Serve with crusty bread.
  • Adapted from Emeril’s Potluck cookbook

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 799kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 41gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 1713mgFiber: 4gSugar: 14g
Nutrition calculation is an estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

 

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posted in: Dinner, Pasta

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    4.50 from 14 votes (12 ratings without comment)

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Jacqui Odell says

    August 24, 2017

    Casseroles are always so easy and yummy to make. i love all the cheese in this one.

    Reply
  2. Stacie says

    August 24, 2017

    My family loves pasta casseroles like this. And look at all that yummy cheese. A must make.

    Reply
  3. Amy Desrosiers says

    August 24, 2017

    YES PLEASE! I love a good pasta casserole! I think the cheese really makes it top notch!

    Reply
  4. Shelby @ For The Love of Paws says

    August 24, 2017

    First – great quality photos!!
    Second – looks AMAZING. So melty. 😀 Love cheesy stuff.

    Reply
  5. krystal says

    August 24, 2017

    I love a good casserole – this is a new version for me. Love all the cheese!

    Reply
  6. Brianne says

    August 24, 2017

    This is one of my favorite things to make! I will have to try this recipe!

    Reply
  7. Lisa Bristol says

    August 24, 2017

    I am excited to try this Penne a la Vodka Casserole recipe. I am always looking for new recipes to try and casseroles are my favorite. I am sure this dish will be a big hit in my house.

    Reply
  8. Kelly Hutchinson says

    August 24, 2017

    Oh my goodness this looks delicious. I want to gran a piece of bread and dig into that casserole!

    Reply
  9. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

    August 24, 2017

    That looks so good! I love to make pasta casseroles like this. They’re so cheesy and tasty, and they’re easier to eat than regular pasta recipes.

    Reply
  10. Jeanette says

    August 24, 2017

    I am always looking for recipes that will feed my family more than once. I love leftovers because then I don’t have to cook one night of the week. This looks fabulous and I can’t wait to try it.

    Reply
  11. Dawn Lopez says

    August 24, 2017

    This is like the grown up version of macaroni and cheese! I think the flavor combo sounds perfect with the 2 types of sausage and the blend of cheeses.

    Reply
  12. Leah says

    June 5, 2017

    How many does this dish feed?

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      June 9, 2017

      Sorry I was out of the country. This dish would feed 8 people at least, served up with a side salad.

      Reply
  13. Leah Gunn says

    June 5, 2017

    How many does this dish feed?

    Reply
  14. Joann says

    March 29, 2017

    the link you gave on Jan. 31st didn’t work but here are the spices for Emeril’s Essence-2 1/2 tablespoons paprika.
    2 tablespoons salt.
    2 tablespoons garlic powder.
    1 tablespoon black pepper.
    1 tablespoon onion powder.
    1 tablespoon cayenne pepper.
    1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano.
    1 tablespoon dried thyme.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      April 3, 2017

      Thank you and I have refreshed a link. It is a great seasoning for so many recipes!!

      Reply
  15. Nancy B says

    January 31, 2017

    What is Emeril’s Essence? I live in Canada and cannot get that. What could
    be substituted?

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      January 31, 2017

      Here is a link, you could use other spice like seasoning salt but his blend is so good http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/emerils-essence-recipe.html

      Reply
    • Big Sven says

      January 25, 2022

      For anyone who’s ever wondered- Emeril’s “essense” is equivalent to most commonly available Cajun seasoning. There may be subtle differences based on brand but McCormick is a perfect substitute in any Emeril recipe.

      Reply
  16. Deb says

    April 23, 2016

    So good! But it’s always a good idea to read through the recipe first! Otherwise you will have your oven on for a VERY long time before you need it!

    Reply
  17. Carla D. Gillis says

    February 2, 2016

    I’m trying this for Game Day!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      February 2, 2016

      Ya, great game day recipe!!

      Reply
  18. Jackie says

    September 6, 2013

    Q: This recipe looks delish but I have kids..Does the vodka cook off? I don’t want my kids drunk at ages 7 & 10! lol
    Jackie

    Reply
    • Noshing with the Nolands says

      September 6, 2013

      After cooking the sauce for 40 min. the alcohol content will be diminished but not completely gone. My daughter has had alcohol and wine served in her food forever with no ill effects. There is a such a small amount per serving left it is not recognizable. If you are concerned just omit. Cheers!!!

      Reply
      • Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says

        June 16, 2014

        I was just wondering about the kids eating pasta with alcohol thing too. Glad someone else asked! Thanks!

        This looks delish!

        Reply
  19. Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says

    June 14, 2013

    5 stars
    Oooh this looks comforting and delicious! I love a good pasta recipe 😀

    Reply
    • Noshing with the Nolands says

      June 14, 2013

      Thanks so much for coming by Kayle!!

      Reply
  20. Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says

    June 14, 2013

    5 stars
    Oooh this looks comforting and delicious! I love a good pasta recipe 😀

    Reply
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