Creamy Healthy Penne alla Vodka
Indulge in a guilt-free twist on the classic Penne alla Vodka with this creamy, low-fat recipe that is bursting with flavor. Packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and the vibrant essence of basil, this dish lets you enjoy comfort food without compromising nutritional value. Using whole wheat pasta adds fiber to the mix, while the incorporation of nonfat milk or fat-free half-and-half creates a rich and creamy sauce without the excess calories. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish serves four and is sure to satisfy your cravings for Italian cuisine. Plus, it's customizable for those who may not be fond of mushrooms—simply leave them out! Enjoy a deliciously healthy meal that feeds both the body and soul.
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1.5 tablespoons (divided for sautéing)
onion
1 (diced)
crushed tomatoes
14 ounces (canned)
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon
fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup (sliced or use 1/4 teaspoon dried)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
fresh white mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon
tomato paste
2 tablespoons
vodka
1/4 cup
nonfat milk or fat-free half-and-half
1 cup
whole wheat penne or rigatoni
3/4 lb
dry parmesan cheese
1/8 cup
fresh basil
(sliced, to garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the onion starts to brown and become translucent.
2
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, fresh or dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer on low for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3
While the sauce is simmering, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in another large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender. Set the mushroom mixture aside, keeping the pan ready for later use.
4
Return to the simmering tomato sauce and mix in the tomato paste. Pour in the vodka and stir in the sautéed mushrooms, allowing everything to simmer together for an additional 10 minutes.
5
As the sauce continues to simmer, bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.
6
Once the sauce has simmered for 10 minutes, add the nonfat milk or fat-free half-and-half. Stir the mixture well to ensure it's fully combined and continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, while keeping it at a low simmer.
7
Cook the whole wheat penne (or rigatoni) in the boiling water according to package instructions, typically about 15 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta once cooked.
8
In the skillet used for the mushrooms, heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the drained pasta and toss it in the pan to coat with the oil.
9
Sprinkle the dry parmesan cheese over the pasta and mix it thoroughly to combine. Add the creamy sauce to the pasta, stirring well to ensure all the noodles are coated. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh sliced basil for an added touch. Enjoy your creamy healthy feast!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
24g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Healthy Penne alla Vodka?
It is a guilt-free twist on the classic Penne alla Vodka that is creamy, low-fat, and packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh mushrooms and aromatic herbs.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This dish serves four people, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as vegetarian and features wholesome plant-based ingredients along with dairy.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of whole wheat penne or rigatoni to add fiber and nutrition.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this creamy healthy pasta contains approximately 160 calories.
Is this recipe considered low in fat?
Yes, the recipe contains only 4g of fat per serving and is tagged as low fat.
How is the sauce made creamy without heavy cream?
The sauce achieves its creamy texture by using one cup of nonfat milk or fat-free half-and-half.
Can I make this dish without mushrooms?
Yes, the recipe is customizable; you can simply leave the mushrooms out if you prefer.
What are the primary herbs and spices used?
The dish is seasoned with fresh basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
How long should the onions be sautéed?
Diced onions should be sautéed for about 5-6 minutes until they start to brown and become translucent.
When do I add the vodka to the sauce?
The vodka is added to the simmering tomato sauce along with the sautéed mushrooms and tomato paste.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
Each serving provides 6.25g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 24g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long does the sauce need to simmer after adding the milk?
Once the milk or fat-free half-and-half is added, the sauce should simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes.
How much vodka is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of vodka.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil as a substitute for the 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves.
What is the total amount of olive oil needed?
A total of 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided for sautéing the vegetables and coating the pasta.
What type of tomatoes should be used for the base?
The recipe uses 14 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
The 8 ounces of fresh white mushrooms should be sliced and sautéed for about 5 minutes until tender.
How long does it take to cook the pasta?
The whole wheat pasta typically takes about 15 minutes to reach an al dente texture.
When is the parmesan cheese added?
The dry parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the cooked pasta and mixed thoroughly before adding the sauce.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to be mixed into the sauce.
What is used as a garnish for this dish?
The dish is garnished with fresh sliced basil before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a weeknight dinner and is a satisfying one-dish meal.
How much red pepper flakes should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat.
Does this recipe use whole grain pasta?
Yes, it specifically calls for whole wheat penne or rigatoni to increase the fiber content.
What type of mushrooms are recommended?
The recipe recommends using fresh white mushrooms.
How long is the initial simmer for the tomato sauce?
After adding the tomatoes and initial herbs, the sauce should simmer on low for approximately 10 minutes.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to add the creamy sauce to the pasta, stir well to coat, and garnish with fresh sliced basil.
Is this dish high in sodium?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt for the entire dish, keeping it aligned with a healthy nutritional profile.