Lighter Penne La Vodka Bethenny Frankel
Craving a comforting pasta dish without the guilt? Bethenny Frankel’s Lighter Penne La Vodka is a wholesome twist on the classic Italian-American favorite, delivering all the rich, creamy flavors you love with a fraction of the calories. This recipe features tender whole wheat penne tossed in a luscious vodka-infused tomato sauce, made velvety with unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream. Garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil add layers of bold flavor, while a touch of Parmesan cheese ties it all together. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Healthy, flavorful, and satisfying, it’s a must-try for fans of lighter Italian cuisine!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.25 cup vodka
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (no added sugar)
- 0.5 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
Add the vodka to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce by half and the alcohol to cook off.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Lower the heat slightly and add the unsweetened almond milk to the skillet. Stir well to combine and create a creamy consistency.
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
Toss the cooked penne pasta with the sauce until evenly coated. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the chopped basil.
Divide the pasta among serving plates or bowls. Garnish with the remaining basil and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1646 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.2 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.3 g | 32% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 1896 mg | 82% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 258.3 g | 94% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.9 g | 100% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.3 g | ||
| Protein | 54.1 g | 108% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 629 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 13.6 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 1960 mg | 42% | |
*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.
