Pin A festive, creamy pasta featuring a light tomato-vodka sauce, adorned with fresh spinach and roasted red peppers for a cheerful holiday presentation.
This recipe brings a fresh twist to holiday pastas and has become a family favorite during Christmas celebrations.
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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
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Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. 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.
Pin Enjoyed by my family every holiday, this dish connects us through its festive colors and rich, comforting flavors.
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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
Pin 
This lightened-up vodka rosé pasta makes a perfect holiday meal with balanced festive flavors.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different pasta type?
Yes, any sturdy pasta like rigatoni or penne works well to hold the creamy sauce.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Substitute plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan-style cheese for dairy ingredients.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta varieties to keep the dish gluten-free without losing texture.
- → What is the purpose of vodka in the sauce?
Vodka helps release and blend the flavors in the tomato sauce, enhancing creaminess and depth.
- → Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?
Sautéed mushrooms or peas can be added for additional texture and nutrients.
