WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO DISH?

Whenever you have unexpected company, and you had not planned on cooking imperative, you must have a go-to dish that is easy, delicious and allows you to be a gracious host.  My go-to dish is pasta!

EMERGENCY PASTA

1 pounds spaghetti, 2 teaspoons salted butter, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper,  1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced, 1 1/4 cup vodka, 1 cup chicken stock, 1 (32 oz.) can crushed tomatoes, 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced, 1/8 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, 1 pound bulk sweet Italian sausage, 1/2 pound bulk hot Italian sausage, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, 1 loaf of toasted Italian bread.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain, set aside, and keep warm.  In a heavy pot add the olive oil and the sausage cook until browned. Add the butter, onions, garlic, and red pepper. Saute until the onions are soft and transparent. Taste.  Add about 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper and crushed red pepper mix well. Add the crushed tomatoes, cook until the consistency thickens. Add vodka and bring contents to a rapid boil for about 2-minutes.  Reduce to a simmer and cook for another 3-minutes or until the sauce is reduced by half.  Add the cream, cook for about 5-minutes. Remove from the stove, add the basil, parsley, lemon zest, half the cheese, and pasta toss.  Pour into a serving bowl garnish with the rest of the cheese toast the bread and serve.