Lightened-Up Vodka Rosé Pasta (Printable format)

Festive creamy tomato-vodka sauce pasta with spinach and roasted red peppers for a bright holiday dish.

# List of ingredients:

→ 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 extra for serving
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Festive Red & Green

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

→ Garnish

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

# How to make it:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; cook an additional minute.
03 - Pour vodka into the skillet and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until reduced by half.
04 - Add crushed tomatoes and simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Lower the heat and stir in cream and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
06 - Stir in roasted red peppers and baby spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
07 - Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired consistency.
08 - Serve garnished with chopped fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Light and creamy festive flavor
  • Vegetarian and customizable
02 -
  • Use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan for a vegan version
  • Adding sautéed mushrooms or peas increases vegetable content
03 -
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly
  • Simmer vodka until reduced to avoid harsh alcohol taste
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