Pin It A festive, creamy pasta featuring a light tomato-vodka sauce, adorned with fresh spinach and roasted red peppers for a cheerful holiday presentation.
This pasta has become our go-to holiday dish, loved by the whole family for its balance of creaminess and vibrant 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.
Pin It Sharing this dish at our holiday table has become a treasured tradition full of warmth and joy.
Notes
Pairs well with a light Italian red wine like Chianti and can be customized with additional vegetables to suit your taste.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chef&s knife, cutting board, wooden spoon
Allergen 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.
Pin It This pasta perfectly balances creamy textures with fresh festive colors making it a standout holiday meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, substituting whole wheat pasta with gluten-free pasta works well without changing the flavors.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan-style cheese to keep it dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
- → Is it necessary to use vodka in the sauce?
Vodka adds a subtle depth and balances the acidity of the tomatoes but can be omitted if preferred.
- → What can I add for more vegetables?
Sautéed mushrooms or peas can be incorporated to increase the vegetable content and texture variety.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A light Italian red wine like Chianti complements the creamy tomato sauce and fresh ingredients nicely.