Lighter Penne Alla Vodka

(from staceydan’s recipe box)

Categories: Pasta

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups bottled marinara sauce, preferably no-sugar-added
  • 1 1/2 cups low-fat milk or 1 1/2 cups plain soymilk
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 lb whole-grain penne
  • 1/4 cup vodka (inexpensive)
  • 1/4 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt when simmering.

  2. Warm marinara in a saucepan over medium heat. Slowly add milk, stirring until combined. Bring to a simmer, then lower heat; simmer until sauce reduces slightly. Add crushed red pepper.

  3. Add penne to boiling water. Cook until almost done; add vodka to marinara mixture, and raise heat slightly. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.

  4. In a large bowl, toss pasta with sauce and Parmigiano-Reggiano, adding some reserved water to thin sauce, if needed. Garnish with parsley, and serve.

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