Sausage & Rotini in Vodka Sauce

I've been wanting to try this creamy pasta dish & checked several recipes.  Finally, I just put some ingredients together for my own version.  We liked it & hope you'll give it a try.

1 lb. sausage (I used hot Italian chicken sausage)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced, optional
sprinkle of crushed red peppers, optional
1/3-1/2 c. Vodka
1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1/2 -1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
fresh basil, snipped or torn
12 oz. dried rotini or penne pasta, cooked
Parmesan cheese, for serving

In a large pot of boiling water, cook the pasta according to directions on the box.  Drain & set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown the sausage in a tablespoon of hot olive oil.  Add the onion , mushrooms & garlic & cook for a few minutes more.  Add the crushed red peppers & the vodka.  Let the vodka come to a simmer & then reduce by half.

Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet & stir.  Add the whipped cream & fold in.  Add the cooked pasta & stir to combine.  Lastly, add the snipped basil & some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

I hope you enjoy!

I'm sharing this with Foodie Friday & On the Menu Monday.