Low Sodium Creamy Vodka Pasta

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Low Sodium Creamy Vodka Pasta, a heart-healthy twist on the classic Italian-inspired dish. Made with al dente penne pasta and a velvety sauce of unsalted butter, no-salt-added tomato puree, and rich heavy cream, this recipe artfully balances indulgence with mindful eating. A splash of vodka enhances the depth of flavor, while garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil bring vibrant aromatics to every bite. Perfect for those watching their sodium intake, this dish offers a guilt-free dining experience without compromising on taste. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's an excellent option for a cozy family meal or an elegant dinner party centerpiece. Serve with optional low-sodium Parmesan for an extra layer of decadence!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup vodka
• 1 cup tomato puree (no added salt)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, low sodium if available)
• 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically around 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and olive oil together.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate, which will reduce the vodka's potency and meld it with the garlic.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato puree and bring to a simmer. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 7

Add the red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper to the sauce. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

If using grated Parmesan, stir it into the sauce until it melts and integrates well.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Continue cooking for about 2 minutes to ensure the pasta is heated through.

Step 11

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the pasta before serving.

Step 12

Serve the creamy vodka pasta warm, garnishing with additional basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1169.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3005.0

Total Fat 141.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 74.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 325.8mg	0%
Sodium 1028.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 278.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.9g	0%
Total Sugars 10.7g
Protein 72.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 833.7mg	0%
Iron 19.5mg	0%
Potassium 2073.0mg	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: 47.6%

Protein: 10.8%

Carbs: 41.6%