Low Sodium Pasta with Vodka Sauce
Indulge in a comforting yet health-conscious twist on a classic Italian favorite with this Low Sodium Pasta with Vodka Sauce recipe. Crafted with no-salt-added crushed tomatoes and unsalted tomato paste, this dish maintains all the rich and creamy flavors you love while keeping sodium levels in check. Sautéed garlic and shallots add depth to the vibrant sauce, while a splash of vodka lends a subtle sophistication that’s perfectly balanced by the addition of velvety heavy cream. Finished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick and fresh basil for an herby brightness, this pasta is ideal for a gathering or cozy meal at home. Ready in just under an hour, this low sodium dinner recipe proves you can enjoy indulgent Italian cuisine guilt-free.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Shallot, finely chopped
- 14 oz Crushed tomatoes, no salt added
- 2 tbsp Unsalted tomato paste
- 1 cup Vodka
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.25 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
- for garnish Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot, and sauté until the shallot is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Carefully add the vodka to the skillet. Simmer the sauce over medium heat until the alcohol has reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add the red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat well.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil, reserving a few leaves for garnish if desired.
Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top, if using, and garnish with additional basil leaves.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2322 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 114.2 g | 146% | |
| Saturated Fat | 54.0 g | 270% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 244 mg | 81% | |
| Sodium | 223 mg | 10% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 141.2 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.1 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.2 g | ||
| Protein | 30.1 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 238 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 8.6 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 1654 mg | 35% | |
*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.
