Low Sodium Penne a la Vodka

Indulge in the creamy, flavorful delight of Low Sodium Penne a la Vodka, a heart-healthy twist on the classic Italian-American favorite. This recipe combines whole wheat penne with a luscious vodka-infused tomato and cream sauce, all while prioritizing low-sodium ingredients like unsalted tomato puree and freshly ground black pepper to enhance natural flavors. Aromatic garlic, shallots, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes add depth, while torn basil leaves deliver a fresh, herbaceous finish. Perfectly balanced and guilt-free, this dish is ready in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and savor every guilt-free bite of this wholesome comfort food classic.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams whole wheat penne
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 1 large shallot
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 120 milliliters vodka
• 400 milliliters unsalted tomato puree
• 120 milliliters heavy cream
• 10 large fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 60 grams Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 240 milliliters of pasta cooking water, then drain the penne and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, finely mince the garlic cloves and shallot. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add minced garlic and shallot to the pan, sauteing until the shallot becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 4

Pour in the vodka, stirring to deglaze the pan, and allow it to reduce by half, approximately 4-5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the unsalted tomato puree, bringing it to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until incorporated, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne to the sauce, tossing to coat well. Tear in the fresh basil leaves, stirring them through the pasta.

Step 8

Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your low sodium Penne a la Vodka while it's hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1252.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2825.4

Total Fat 93.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 173.4mg	0%
Sodium 492.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 341.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.1g	0%
Total Sugars 36.8g
Protein 79.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 861.1mg	0%
Iron 19.4mg	0%
Potassium 3883.2mg	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: 33.3%

Protein: 12.6%

Carbs: 54.0%