Save to Pins A festive, creamy pasta featuring a light tomato-vodka sauce, adorned with fresh spinach and roasted red peppers for a cheerful holiday presentation.
This pasta quickly became a holiday favorite in my family due to its vibrant flavors and easy preparation.
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
- Step 1:
- 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.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- Pour in vodka and simmer for 2 3 minutes letting it reduce by half.
- Step 4:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes. Simmer gently for 8 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Step 5:
- Lower heat and mix in the cream and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 6:
- Add roasted red peppers and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts 2 3 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Step 8:
- Serve sprinkled with basil and extra Parmesan.
Save to Pins My family enjoys gathering around the table for this colorful dish each holiday season, making warm memories together.
Additional Tips
For added veggies try sautéed mushrooms or peas to boost the nutrition and flavor.
Wine Pairing
Pairs well with a light Italian red wine such as Chianti to complement the creamy tomato sauce.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 410 calories, 10 g total fat, 63 g carbohydrates, 15 g protein.
Save to Pins This pasta brings festive cheer and delicious comfort to any holiday table.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any sturdy pasta like rigatoni or penne works well to hold the creamy sauce.
- → How can I make the sauce vegan?
Swap dairy cream and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives to keep the sauce creamy and rich.
- → Is it necessary to simmer the vodka before adding tomatoes?
Simmering reduces the alcohol and concentrates the flavor, enhancing the sauce’s depth.
- → Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms or peas are excellent additions for extra texture and nutrition.
- → What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A light Italian red wine like Chianti complements the creamy tomato and vodka flavors nicely.