Low Fat Penne with Vodka Sauce

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this luscious yet healthy Low Fat Penne with Vodka Sauce. This lightened-up version of the classic pasta dish swaps in whole wheat penne and creamy low-fat half-and-half to deliver a guilt-free indulgence without sacrificing flavor. The rich tomato-vodka sauce, infused with garlic, oregano, and a hint of red pepper flakes, is perfectly balanced by a touch of Parmesan and fresh basil. Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy nights while still being elegant enough for entertaining. Serve it with a side of salad or crusty bread for a well-rounded, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. Keywords: low fat vodka sauce, healthy penne recipe, whole wheat pasta, quick and easy pasta dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 0.25 cup vodka
• 0.5 cup low-fat half-and-half
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to brown the garlic.

Step 3

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Add the vodka to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the low-fat half-and-half, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook gently for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6

Add the cooked penne to the skillet, and toss until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.

Step 7

Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1419.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1869.7

Total Fat 32.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 35.8mg	0%
Sodium 2556.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 302.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.7g	0%
Total Sugars 49.9g
Protein 66.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 683.5mg	0%
Iron 19.1mg	0%
Potassium 3425.4mg	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: 16.3%

Protein: 15.1%

Carbs: 68.6%