Save A festive, creamy pasta featuring a light tomato-vodka sauce, adorned with fresh spinach and roasted red peppers for a cheerful holiday presentation.
This dish brings the whole family together every Christmas with its vibrant colors and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) whole wheat penne or rigatoni
- Sauce: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 cup (120 ml) vodka, 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-fat or plant-based cream, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Festive Red & Green: 1 cup (150 g) jarred roasted red peppers drained and cut into strips, 3 cups (90 g) baby spinach leaves
- Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped, Extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Boil Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al denté. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water then drain pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- While the pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft about 3 4 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes cook 1 minute more.
- Simmer Vodka:
- Pour in vodka and simmer for 2 3 minutes letting it reduce by half.
- Add Tomatoes:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes. Simmer gently for 8 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Add Cream Cheese:
- Lower heat and mix in the cream and Parmesan Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Veggies:
- Add roasted red peppers and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts 2 3 minutes.
- Toss Pasta:
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve sprinkled with basil and extra Parmesan.
Save Our family cherishes this recipe especially during the holidays creating lasting memories around the dinner table.
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) milk (dairy Parmesan cream). For gluten-free use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free vegan use plant-based cream and cheese. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 410 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 63 g Protein 15 g per serving
Save This lightened-up pasta is perfect for festive gatherings making your holiday meal both delicious and memorable.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta in this dish?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute to accommodate dietary needs without altering flavors.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Replace the cream with a plant-based alternative and use vegan Parmesan-style cheese to maintain the creamy texture and taste.
- → What is the best way to cook the vodka sauce?
Sauté onions and garlic until soft, then add vodka to simmer until reduced by half before stirring in the tomatoes and cream for a rich sauce.
- → Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?
Sautéed mushrooms or peas can be added to enhance the vegetable content and flavor profile.
- → What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A light Italian red wine such as Chianti complements the creamy tomato and vodka sauce beautifully.
- → How do I achieve the best pasta texture?
Cook the pasta until al dente and reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency before tossing together.