Lightened-Up Creamy Penne Vodka
Indulge in the rich and velvety flavors of this Lightened-Up Creamy Penne Vodka, a delectable pasta dish that merges sophistication with nutrition. This lighter version of the classic Penne Alla Vodka brings together a luscious, creamy, and slightly spicy sauce, featuring a perfect hint of premium vodka that elevates the whole dish. Unlike typical recipes laden with heavy cream, this version uses reduced-fat milk without compromising on the creamy texture and robust taste. Nestled atop fiber-rich whole wheat penne, this meal is not only satisfying but also heart-healthy. With just a fraction of the fat and calories of traditional options, it’s a guilt-free choice for pasta lovers at any time of the year. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish promises to impress your family and friends alike with its rich flavors and delightful presentation. A true crowd-pleaser with only 347 calories per serving, you won't be able to resist another helping!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole tomatoes
1 (28-ounce can)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
Onion
1/2 (cup, minced)
Tomato paste
1 (tablespoon)
Garlic
2 (cloves, minced)
Salt
3/4 (teaspoon)
Red pepper flakes
1/2 (teaspoon)
Premium quality vodka
1 (cup)
Reduced-fat milk
1 (cup)
Whole wheat penne
12 (ounces)
Fresh grated parmesan cheese
6 (tablespoons)
Fresh basil
2 (tablespoons, minced)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the tomatoes: In a blender or food processor, puree half of the canned whole tomatoes until smooth. Chop the remaining tomatoes into 1/2-inch pieces, discarding the cores.
2
In a large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onions and tomato paste, cooking until the onions turn a light golden color, approximately 2 minutes while stirring occasionally.
3
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the onion mixture, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4
Stir in both the pureed and chopped tomatoes, followed by the salt. Remove the saucepan from the heat and mix in the premium vodka. Return the pan to medium heat and allow it to simmer, stirring frequently, until the alcohol flavor has cooked off, which will take about 8 minutes. If the simmering becomes too vigorous, lower the heat as needed.
5
Afterward, stir in the reduced-fat milk and heat through for about 1 minute.
6
Meanwhile, in a separate large pot, cook the whole wheat penne according to the package instructions, ensuring it remains al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
7
Once drained, return the penne to the pot and pour in the prepared vodka sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce over medium heat until the pasta absorbs some of the sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
8
To serve, plate the pasta and generously top each portion with 1 tablespoon of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of minced basil.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lightened-Up Creamy Penne Vodka?
It is a sophisticated and nutritious version of the classic Penne Alla Vodka that uses reduced-fat milk and whole wheat pasta.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
This recipe contains approximately 347 calories per serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What makes this version of Penne Vodka 'lightened-up'?
It replaces heavy cream with reduced-fat milk and uses fiber-rich whole wheat penne instead of white pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is classified as vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of whole wheat penne.
How much vodka is required for the sauce?
The sauce requires 1 cup of premium quality vodka.
Does the sauce taste strongly of alcohol?
No, the vodka is simmered for about 8 minutes to cook off the alcohol flavor while leaving a sophisticated hint behind.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
You should use one 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for the sauce?
Puree half of the canned tomatoes and chop the remaining half into 1/2-inch pieces.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor or blender can be used to puree half of the tomatoes.
What type of milk is used to create the creamy texture?
The recipe uses 1 cup of reduced-fat milk.
How long do I cook the onions?
The minced onions should be cooked with tomato paste for approximately 2 minutes until they turn a light golden color.
When should I add the garlic to the sauce?
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes after the onions are golden, and cook for another 30 seconds.
Is this pasta dish spicy?
It has a slight kick thanks to the addition of 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
What is the role of tomato paste in this dish?
Tomato paste is sautéed with onions to provide a deep, robust base for the sauce.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 8 minutes after adding the vodka.
What is the best way to cook the penne?
Cook the whole wheat penne according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
How do I finish the dish after cooking the pasta?
Return the drained penne to the pot, add the vodka sauce, and toss over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
What garnishes are used for serving?
Garnish each plate with 1 tablespoon of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of minced fresh basil.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this recipe considered heart-healthy?
Yes, the description notes that this meal is heart-healthy due to the fiber-rich pasta and lower fat content.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, vodka sauce, healthy, italian, and whole wheat.
Can this be prepared as a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a budget-friendly meal option.
How much Parmesan cheese do I need in total?
You will need 6 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the 6 servings.
How much basil is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced fresh basil.
Should I discard the tomato cores?
Yes, the instructions advise discarding the cores when chopping the whole tomatoes.
What should I do if the sauce simmers too vigorously?
If the simmer becomes too vigorous while cooking off the alcohol, lower the heat as needed.
Does this dish contain cholesterol?
While the specific value is not listed, it contains dairy (milk and cheese) which typically contains some cholesterol.