Indulge in the creamy decadence of Paleo Penne with Vodka Sauce—a guilt-free twist on the classic Italian dish! This recipe swaps traditional pasta for zucchini penne, keeping it paleo-friendly and naturally gluten-free, while the rich vodka sauce is made velvety with coconut cream instead of dairy. Sautéed onions and garlic form a flavorful base, complemented by fresh basil and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes. With the sweet tang of ripe tomatoes balanced by the smooth depth of vodka, this dish is both comforting and vibrant. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for a healthy, satisfying dinner that doesn’t skimp on indulgence. Keywords: Paleo Penne, vodka sauce, zucchini pasta, dairy-free, gluten-free Italian recipes.
Start by preparing the zucchini penne as per the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour the canned tomatoes into the skillet, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in the vodka, and continue to cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off.
Reduce the heat to low, and slowly add the coconut cream into the tomato mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Season the sauce with crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer on low heat for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Mix the prepared zucchini penne into the vodka sauce until it's well coated.
Remove from heat and top with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Enjoy your Paleo Penne with Vodka Sauce while warm.
Calories |
1865 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.2 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.6 g | 198% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 16 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 3939 mg | 171% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 212.6 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.4 g | 87% | |
| Total Sugars | 130.7 g | ||
| Protein | 24.5 g | 49% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 362 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 9.3 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 2644 mg | 56% | |
*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.