Lightened-Up Vodka Rosé Pasta (Printable version)

Creamy vodka-tomato sauce with spinach and roasted peppers tosses with whole wheat pasta for a festive dish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz whole wheat penne or rigatoni

→ Sauce

02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
06 - 1/2 cup vodka
07 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
08 - 1/2 cup low-fat or plant-based cream
09 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Festive Red & Green

11 - 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
12 - 3 cups baby spinach leaves

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
14 - Extra grated Parmesan

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute more.
03 - Pour in vodka and simmer, allowing it to reduce by half over 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Lower heat and mix in cream and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
06 - Add roasted red peppers and spinach to the sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until spinach wilts.
07 - Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
08 - Serve topped with fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Light and flavorful holiday dish
  • Vegetarian and easily customizable
02 -
  • For a vegan version use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan-style cheese
  • Pairs well with a light Italian red wine like Chianti
03 -
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
  • Use fresh basil for best flavor garnish
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