Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your perception of vegan cuisine forever! This Vegan Penne Alla Vodka is not just another pasta dish – it's a creamy, luxurious explosion of flavors that proves plant-based cooking can be absolutely irresistible. With its rich, silky sauce and perfectly cooked penne, this recipe will make you forget you're eating a vegan meal and have you craving more with every single bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1/4 cup vodka
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure your penne pasta, olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, coconut cream, vodka, salt, pepper, and fresh basil are ready for use.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 12 oz of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced small onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Pour in the 15 oz can of crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Once the sauce has simmered, carefully add 1/4 cup of vodka to the skillet. Stir well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to incorporate.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup of coconut cream. Mix until fully combined and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the penne pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained penne pasta directly into the skillet with the vodka sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute. Serve the Vegan Penne Alla Vodka in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Vegan Penne Alla Vodka with a side salad or your favorite bread!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta just to al dente – this ensures it doesn't become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Cream Alternative: The coconut cream provides a luxurious texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute with cashew cream or store-bought vegan cream.
- Vodka Technique: Let the vodka simmer to burn off the alcohol and concentrate the flavors. This step is crucial for developing a deep, complex taste.
- Sauce Consistency: Keep some pasta water reserved – it's your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce's thickness if needed.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil for garnishing. It adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Timing is Key: Have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking to ensure a smooth, stress-free cooking process.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor punch, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or nutritional yeast to the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 524kcal
Carbohydrates: 75g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg
