Heart-Healthy Penne a la Vodka
Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of Heart-Healthy Penne a la Vodka without compromising on nutrition! This lighter version of the classic Italian dish features fiber-packed whole wheat penne paired with a velvety tomato-vodka sauce made from crushed tomatoes and reduced-fat evaporated milk. Sautéed onion and garlic provide a robust base, while fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes add a burst of vibrant flavor. Perfectly suited for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is quick to prepare and delicately balances richness with health-conscious ingredients. Serve it hot for a wholesome yet indulgent dining experience that's sure to please your taste buds and your heart!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes, with no added salt
- 0.25 cup vodka
- 0.5 cup reduced-fat evaporated milk
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- to taste salt
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.
Pour in the vodka and increase the heat to medium-high. Simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in the reduced-fat evaporated milk and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
Add the cooked penne to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2134 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.2 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.0 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 58 mg | 19% | |
| Sodium | 3434 mg | 149% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 297.2 g | 108% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.8 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.7 g | ||
| Protein | 81.2 g | 162% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1212 mg | 93% | |
| Iron | 16.0 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 3299 mg | 70% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
