Low Carb Penne with Vodka Sauce

Indulge in a creamy, flavorful weeknight dinner with this Low Carb Penne with Vodka Sauce—a lighter twist on the Italian classic. Featuring tender low-carb penne coated in a rich, velvety sauce crafted from crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and a splash of smooth vodka, this recipe delivers all the indulgence with fewer carbs. Sautéed garlic and red onion add depth, while freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes provide vibrant aroma and subtle heat. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it a satisfying choice for busy evenings. Garnish with Parmesan cheese for the ultimate low-carb comfort meal that feels like a treat with every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz Low-Carb Penne
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 3 cloves Garlic Cloves, minced
• 0.5 cup Red Onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) Crushed Tomatoes
• 0.25 cup Vodka
• 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 0.25 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper

Directions

Step 1

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the low-carb penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and chopped red onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and mix well. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, occasionally stirring.

Step 4

Carefully pour in the vodka, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Continue to cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir the sauce until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne to the sauce, gently stirring until all the pasta is coated in the sauce.

Step 8

Remove from heat and toss in the chopped fresh basil leaves.

Step 9

Serve the low-carb penne with vodka sauce immediately, garnished with more Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1048.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1445.6

Total Fat 85.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 160mg	0%
Sodium 3235.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 89.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.5g	0%
Total Sugars 18.2g
Protein 45.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 656.1mg	0%
Iron 10.3mg	0%
Potassium 1393.6mg	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: 58.8%

Protein: 13.8%

Carbs: 27.4%