Dairy-Free Penne with Vodka Sauce

Indulge in the creamy, luscious flavors of Dairy-Free Penne with Vodka Sauce, a plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite! This recipe features al dente penne pasta tossed in a velvety vodka tomato sauce made with rich, full-fat coconut milk and unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The sauce is elevated with the umami-packed addition of nutritional yeast, aromatic garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Fresh basil and parsley add a vibrant, herbaceous finish, making this dish both indulgent and refreshing. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this dairy-free pasta dish is ready in just 40 minutes, serving up comfort and flavor in every bite. An ideal recipe for those seeking a vegan, lactose-intolerant-friendly meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 0.5 cup vodka
• 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
• 0.5 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring often, until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste darkens in color.

Step 5

Carefully pour in the vodka. Stir the mixture and allow it to simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the coconut milk and almond milk, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and uniform. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 7

Add the nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper to the sauce, and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2 more minutes.

Step 8

Add the cooked penne to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat, and stir in the fresh basil.

Step 10

Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1209.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2568.5

Total Fat 94.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 55.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2590.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 315.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.3g	0%
Total Sugars 32.3g
Protein 64.8g	0%

Vitamin D 43.9IU	0%
Calcium 551.6mg	0%
Iron 29.9mg	0%
Potassium 3632.5mg	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: 35.8%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 53.2%