Dairy-Free Penne alla Vodka

Indulge in the creamy, decadent flavors of Dairy-Free Penne alla Vodka, a plant-based twist on an Italian classic that's both comforting and lighter on the stomach. This vegan-friendly recipe features tender penne pasta enveloped in a velvety vodka-infused tomato sauce, made luscious with full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. A blend of finely chopped onion, garlic, and aromatic crushed tomatoes pairs beautifully with a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, while nutritional yeast adds a cheesy undertone without any dairy. Quick and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. Garnished with fresh basil, it delivers bold, rich flavors in every bite—proof that indulgence and dietary preferences can coexist harmoniously. Serve it warm and watch it disappear in no time!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Tomato paste
• 14 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Vodka
• 1 cup Coconut milk (full-fat canned)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp Nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and vodka, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the alcohol to cook off.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the coconut milk. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If you desire a cheesier flavor, add the nutritional yeast at this point and stir well.

Step 6

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, adjusting to taste.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 8

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil leaves.

Step 9

Serve warm, garnishing with additional basil or nutritional yeast if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1337.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2524.0

Total Fat 93.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2922.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 309.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.4g	0%
Total Sugars 30.5g
Protein 60.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 249.5mg	0%
Iron 27.6mg	0%
Potassium 3226.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.2%

Protein: 10.4%

Carbs: 53.4%