Heart-Healthy Penne a la Vodka

Indulge guilt-free with this Heart-Healthy Penne a la Vodka, a nutritious twist on the classic Italian favorite. Featuring tender whole wheat penne paired with a creamy yet light vodka-tomato sauce, this dish achieves bold flavor with wholesome ingredients. Reduced-fat evaporated milk lends creaminess without the extra calories, while crushed tomatoes with no added salt keep the sodium in check. A fragrant blend of garlic, onions, fresh basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes adds depth, and a touch of Parmesan finishes it off with savory perfection. Ready in just 40 minutes, this satisfying, lower-fat meal is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing dinner. Treat your heart and your taste buds—the perfect balance of indulgence and wellness awaits!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 14 ounces crushed tomatoes, with no added salt
• 0.25 cup vodka
• 0.5 cup reduced-fat evaporated milk
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 0 to taste freshly ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 0 to taste salt

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step 4

Pour in the vodka and increase the heat to medium-high. Simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium and add the crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6

Stir in the reduced-fat evaporated milk and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1189.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2133.6

Total Fat 53.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 57.6mg	0%
Sodium 3434.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 297.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.8g	0%
Total Sugars 44.7g
Protein 81.2g	0%

Vitamin D 50IU	0%
Calcium 1211.6mg	0%
Iron 16.0mg	0%
Potassium 3299.1mg	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: 24.0%

Protein: 16.3%

Carbs: 59.7%