340 Calorie Penne alla Vodka
Penne alla vodka is the rosy, creamy pasta you can still eat while losing weight. Tomatoes, a little half and half and Parmesan make a rich sauce for about 340 calories a bowl, which leaves plenty of room in a calorie deficit for a big portion of pasta.
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and brands.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The biggest pasta portion in the series: 65 g (2.3 oz) of dry penne per bowl.
- Rich pink sauce from just ¼ cup of half and half for four servings.
- The vodka is optional, and the sauce still tastes great without it.
- Ready in about 25 minutes, mostly while the pasta cooks.
Ingredients
- 9 oz (260 g) penne
- 1¼ cups (300 g) canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) tomato paste
- ¼ cup (60 ml) half and half
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ small onion (60 g), finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vodka, optional
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make It
- Cook the penne in salted water until al dente. Scoop out 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion for 4 minutes, until soft, then add the garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, until it darkens. Pour in the vodka, if using, and simmer for 1 minute, scraping up anything stuck to the pan.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 8 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Lower the heat and stir in the half and half and the Parmesan, then ½ cup (120 ml) of the pasta water.
- Add the penne and toss for 1 minute, adding more pasta water until the sauce coats the pasta. Serve right away.
Lose weight. Keep the pizza.
Bye Weight is a weight loss community for people who love food. Short lessons, simple steps, no extreme diets.
See What’s Inside →Illustrative image. Individual results may vary.
Tips & Substitutions
Cook the tomato paste. One minute in the hot pan makes it darker and sweeter, and the whole sauce tastes deeper.
Add the half and half last. Keep the heat low so the sauce stays smooth and does not split.
Save the pasta water. It loosens the sauce and helps it cling to every piece of penne.
No vodka? Leave it out and add 2 tablespoons of pasta water instead. You save about 5 calories per serving.
How to Make It More Filling
Stir in 8 oz (225 g) of cooked shrimp or sliced chicken breast at the end. Shrimp adds about 50 calories and 11 g of protein per serving, and it turns the bowl into a bigger, more filling dinner.
Storage
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water over low heat. Freezing is not recommended because the cream can separate.
How much should you eat in a day?
Our calculator counts your steps and workouts, then gives you a daily calorie number and a date you could reach your goal. Two minutes, free, no signup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there still alcohol in the sauce?
Most of it cooks off during simmering, but a small amount can remain. Leave the vodka out if you prefer.
What can I use instead of half and half?
Whole milk works. The sauce is slightly thinner and you save about 10 calories per serving.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes. Rigatoni, rotini or shells all work with the same 9 oz (260 g).
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes. Make it up to 3 days ahead, then reheat it and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Tight jeans? Let’s fix that.
Bye Weight is a weight loss community. No gym, no strict diet, no guilt. Just short lessons and simple walks.
See What’s Inside →Illustrative image. Individual results may vary.
