Pasta Salad and Pesto, Pink Vodka Pizza

H really loves pork. Steak, ground beef or turkey, not so much. But any sausage, ham or bacon she is asking for thirds.

I had some homemade tomato sauce in the freezer. Perfect for last minute dinners. This was Sunday, I feel like every Sunday we are trying to decide what to eat after 4 pm. This was one of those days. 

I sautéed a few smashed garlic cloves in a tablespoon of olive oil. Once it was fragrant, I removed the cloves and added a pound of sausage to the pan. (I used Italian sweet sausage links). When the sausage is browned, pour 1/4 inch of water into the pan and cover with the lid. 

While the sausage is cooking start your pink vodka sauce. 

The first meal I have ever made Mr. King was penne with pink vodka sauce. I still own the bottle of vodka I bought for that meal. I used it for this version as well.

I always do my pink vodka sauce a little different. Like every recipe. I never make the same thing, the same way twice. 

Start sautéing chopped shallot and garlic in a mix of butter and olive oil. Add Sliced mushrooms and a big glug of vodka. Once That cooks down throw some fresh thyme and the thawed tomato sauce. (I always hide a bunch of veggies in my sauce. Carrots, celery, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli). When the sauce is warmed through add about three tablespoons of cream cheese, and melt into the sauce. Add chicken stock, or starchy water if it is too thick. Add fresh chopped tomatoes and fresh basil after the cream cheese is melted. 

I like to put my pasta on top of a bed of fresh spinach, arugula or kale. It's how I pack a little more nutrients in my dish. I gave a new name to pasta salad, and I like it. It also separates the green stuff. So I can have it and H doesn't have to.

I had plenty of sauce, and sausage for a rollover meal. My favorite, when part of ia meal is already cooked for you. 

Pesto and Pink Vodka Sauce Pizza with sausage and tons of cheese

1 lb dough

Flour for dusting

Mixed with garlic powder, Parmesan cheese and parsley

Stretch out dough, heat pizza stone in the oven @425

When the stone is hot, stretch the dough on the stone. Act quickly, it starts to cook as soon as it hits the stone. Dab spoonfuls of pesto on the dough, you don't need a lot for this. In between the pesto dots, add your sausage and pink vodka sauce. You don't want to have too much sauce or it will be soggy. Top with mozzarella and Cheddar  bake for ten minutes. Take the pizza out and cover with goat cheese. Pop back in the oven for a minute or two until the cheese is melted but not burnt. 

Enjoy and goodnight!

-k