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.
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 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.
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.