Penne with Spicy Vodka Tomato Cream Sauce (Vegan)

Vodka sauce for pasta is a nice change from your typical tomato sauce. If you’re hesitant about the alcohol, don’t be. It cooks down to less than 5 percent with a slow simmer. Vodka simply alters the flavor of the sauce in a pleasing way, adding peppery, herbal notes that help balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes and cream. This recipe calls for plant-based milk and cashew cream “cheese” to make it creamy without dairy. The rich, spicy sauce perfectly coats red lentil penne to create a dreamy gluten-free, dairy-free pasta dish.

0 from 0 votes

Print

Penne with Spicy Vodka Tomato Cream Sauce (Vegan)

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 4

Calories 295 kcal

Author Liana Werner-Gray

Ingredients

• 1 box Explore Cuisine Red Lentil Penne
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• ¼ cup green onion chopped
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• ½ cup vegan cashew cream cheese
• 1/4 cup Sproud Plant-Based Milk
• 1 Tbsp. organic vodka
• 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp. Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil with Buttery Flavor
• ¼ cup dairy-free parmesan-style cheese
• Basil chopped

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ¼ of pasta water before draining.
2. In large saucepan over medium heat, heat olive oil, garlic and onion. Cook until soft. Add tomato paste and cook until color darkens.
3. Stir in cashew cream cheese and plant-based milk.
4. Add vodka. Bring sauce to a slow simmer and allow to bubble for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste and desired heat level. Add coconut oil and stir over medium heat until melted and sauce is creamy. Remove from heat.
6. Add pasta and reserved pasta water to sauce. Stir in dairy-free parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
7. To serve, top with dairy-free parmesan cheese and basil.

Recipe Notes

Get the best deals on the special ingredients you need from Vitacost!

Nutrition Facts

Penne with Spicy Vodka Tomato Cream Sauce (Vegan)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 295 Calories from Fat 234

% Daily Value*

Fat 26g40%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Cholesterol 4mg1%

Sodium 253mg11%

Potassium 325mg9%

Carbohydrates 10g3%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 726IU15%

Vitamin C 5mg6%

Calcium 97mg10%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.