Spicy Pasta with Sausage

This spicy pasta with sausage recipe is really simple to make and super delicious. The spicy sausage adds tons of flavour to this dish, and the shrimps are so tender and juicy. The vodka makes the sauce aroma even better. If you like spicy pasta, this is a must try. It only takes 20 mins.

This recipe is inspired from Jambalaya, which is originated from Louisiana. This is a much simpler pasta version. I personally loves the combination of spicy sausage and shrimp, it is just unique and tasty.

Why Does Food Taste Better with Alcohol?

Alcohol in food can act as a flavour enhancer. It also tenderlize meat. Some people can get drunk from eating food cooked with alcohol, and it depends on how much food consumed and the amount of alcohol used in the dish. Alcohol can evaporate during the cooking process. Based on study, it will evaporate completed after 3 hours of cooking. I prefer to use 1 tbsp alcohol to cook meat or seafood, it makes the food juicer, more flavourful, and enhances the aroma.

What Makes This Spicy Pasta with Sausage Dish Special?

I prefer tender and juicy shrimps, so I cook the slightly marinated shrimp first and then set it aside. After that, I use the shrimp oil, which contains omega-3 to cook the spicy sausages. Once the spicy sausage juice releases out, then add vodka and other ingredients. The alcohol enhances the flavour combination even more. After all, add the shrimps back to the dish, to keep the tenderness.

Ingredients: 

Dry Pasta: 1  cup
Spicy Sausage: 1
Shrimps: 8
Tomato Sauce: 3/4 cup
Cream: 1/2 cup
Onion: half ( 1/2 cup chopped)
Vodka: 1 tbsp (optional)
Parmesan Cheese: 2 tbsp
Parsley: 1 tbsp chopped
Thyme: 1 tsp
Hot Chilli Pepper Powder: 1/2 tsp
Onion Powder: 1 1/2 tsp
Garlic Powder: 1 1/2 tsp
Seasoning Salt: 1/2 tsp
Salt: 1/2 tsp
Pepper: 1/2 tsp

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cooking Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Serving: 2

Instruction: 

1. Clean the shrimps. Peel off the shells, then devein the shrimps.
2. Boil some water on the stove, add a little bit salt, then cook pasta as per package insturction.
3. Season the shrimps by using chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt.
4. Finely chop half of an onion, then slice the hot sausage into small pieces.
5. Heat a pan in medium high, add a little bit cooking oil, then cook the shrimps for 30 seconds each side, until the colour of the shrimps turns to red. After that, set them aside.
6. Put the hot sausage in the same pan, then cook them until the hot juices comes out.
7. Add finely chopped onion, cook about 1-2 mins till the onions turns a bit brown.
8. Then add vodka, mix 30 seconds until everything combines evenly.
9. Add tomato sauce and thyme, then cook 2-3 mins.
10. Then add cream, mix well.
11. Add drained pasta, and 1/4 cup of pasta water, cook about 1-2 mins till the sauce is thicken as desired.
12. Add half of the cooked shrimps back into the pan, salt, pepper to adjust the taste.
13. Place the pasta in the pan, sprinkle with parsley, and parmesan, ready to serve.

Tips for Spicy Pasta with Sausage: 

• Shrimp shell contains lots of calcium and flavour. Sometimes I cook the shells first before cook the shrimp. Then take the shells out. It adds lots of flavour.
• If you prefer less spicy, use 1/4 tsp chilli powder, and 1 tsp for more spicy style.
• If I use regular sausage, I would put 1 tsp chilli powder.
• Vodka is optional, it can be replaced by other type of alcohol, or none of it if you prefer a non-alcohol version.
• For a crunchy version, fry 2 tbsp Panko, and sprinkle on the top of the pasta, it definitely adds the crunchy bits.