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.
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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
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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.
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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.
