Paleo Penne with Vodka Sauce

Indulge in the creamy, dairy-free goodness of Paleo Penne with Vodka Sauce—a wholesome twist on the classic Italian dish. This recipe swaps traditional pasta for nutrient-packed zucchini penne, making it both grain-free and gluten-free, perfect for paleo diets. The velvety vodka sauce is crafted with canned whole tomatoes, a splash of vodka, and rich coconut cream for a luscious, dairy-free alternative. Aromatics like sautéed onion and garlic, paired with crushed red pepper flakes and fresh basil, infuse the dish with bold, irresistible flavors. Ready in under an hour and packed with wholesome ingredients, this comforting paleo pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with its sophisticated, yet simple, charm.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz zucchini penne
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 cup yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 28 oz canned whole tomatoes
• 0.25 cup vodka
• 0.75 cup coconut cream
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the zucchini penne as per the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 3

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour the canned tomatoes into the skillet, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5

Stir in the vodka, and continue to cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, and slowly add the coconut cream into the tomato mixture. Stir gently to combine.

Step 7

Season the sauce with crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer on low heat for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Mix the prepared zucchini penne into the vodka sauce until it's well coated.

Step 9

Remove from heat and top with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Step 10

Enjoy your Paleo Penne with Vodka Sauce while warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1535.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1864.6

Total Fat 90.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 39.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.7g
Cholesterol 15.9mg	0%
Sodium 3939.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 212.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.4g	0%
Total Sugars 130.7g
Protein 24.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 362.0mg	0%
Iron 9.3mg	0%
Potassium 2643.9mg	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: 46.1%

Protein: 5.6%

Carbs: 48.3%