Save to Pinterest A festive, creamy pasta featuring a light tomato-vodka sauce, adorned with fresh spinach and roasted red peppers for a cheerful holiday presentation.
This recipe brings a cheerful holiday touch to our family dinners every year with its vibrant colors and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) whole wheat penne or rigatoni
- Sauce: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 cup (120 ml) vodka, 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-fat or plant-based cream, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Festive Red & Green: 1 cup (150 g) jarred roasted red peppers drained and cut into strips, 3 cups (90 g) baby spinach leaves
- Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped, Extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water, then drain pasta.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 3 4 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes cook 1 minute more.
- Step 3:
- Pour in vodka and simmer for 2 3 minutes, letting it reduce by half.
- Step 4:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes. Simmer gently for 8 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5:
- Lower heat and mix in the cream and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 6:
- Add roasted red peppers and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts, 2 3 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Step 8:
- Serve sprinkled with basil and extra Parmesan.
Save to Pinterest This pasta is a staple for our holiday gatherings bringing warmth and festive vibes to the table.
Required Tools
Large pot, Large skillet, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Wooden spoon
Dietary Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy Parmesan cream). For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free vegan use plant-based cream and cheese. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 410, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 63 g, Protein 15 g per serving
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this lightened-up festive pasta as the perfect blend of comfort and holiday cheer.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work best due to their shape, but any sturdy pasta that holds sauce well is suitable.
- → How do I make this dish vegan?
Substitute low-fat cream with a plant-based alternative and use vegan Parmesan-style cheese.
- → What can I add for extra vegetables?
Sautéed mushrooms or peas complement the dish nicely and add more texture and flavor.
- → Is it possible to prepare this gluten-free?
Simply swap the whole wheat pasta with your preferred gluten-free pasta variety.
- → What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A light Italian red wine such as Chianti balances the creamy and tangy elements beautifully.