Vegan penne alla vodka

In the land of pasta sauce, you might not think “creamy” and “vegan” go together. This dish proves otherwise!

This Italian-inspired recipe for vegan penne alla vodka delivers a creamy pasta dish that is a delight thanks to fresh flavors and the richness of the sauce. Added seasonings like vodka and red pepper flakes help to develop the rich, pink-colored pasta dish that stands out from the crowd of red sauces and white creamy sauces.

Vegan penne alla vodka recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup diced white onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, diced, seeds removed
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus extra for cooking the pasta
• 1/3 cup vodka
• 1/2 cup plain soy milk
• 1/3 cup vegan Parmesan-style cheese, plus extra for garnish
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter-style spread
• 8 ounces whole-wheat penne pasta

Directions:

1. Add the olive oil to a large pot over medium heat. When hot, add the onions and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they begin to soften.
2. Add the garlic and tomato paste, and cook for a few minutes, until the tomato paste thins out.
3. Add the diced tomatoes to the mixture along with the red pepper flakes, black pepper and salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring.
4. Increase the heat slightly and slowly add the vodka to the mixture. Cook, stirring, for 4-5 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the soy milk, vegan Parmesan-style cheese and vegan butter-style spread.
6. While the sauce is cooking, bring a pan of salted water (enough to cover the pasta) to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, or until done. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pan.
7. Add the pasta to the vodka sauce and stir to combine.
8. If you would like a thinner sauce, add a bit of the pasta water, a little at a time, to the mixture and stir well.
9. Serve on individual plates with additional vegan Parmesan-style cheese as garnish.

Discover the delight that is vegan penne alla vodka!

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