The Best Vegan Penne alla Vodka | Vegan Vodka Sauce

coconut cream

🥗Healthier: silken tofu

💰Cheaper: heavy cream alternative

Silken tofu provides creaminess with fewer calories.

vodka

🥗Healthier: non-alcoholic vodka

💰Cheaper: white grape juice

White grape juice mimics sweetness without alcohol.

nutritional yeast

🥗Healthier: brewer's yeast

💰Cheaper: parmesan cheese alternative

Brewer's yeast offers a similar flavor profile.

penne pasta

🥗Healthier: whole wheat penne

💰Cheaper: regular pasta

Whole wheat adds fiber without compromising taste.

Chop a sweet onion and mince 4 cloves of garlic.

Chop fresh basil.

Pour vegetable stock or oil into a large skillet over medium heat.

Sauté the onions and garlic for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.

Add red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute.

Add whole peeled tomatoes with juice and vodka to the skillet, stirring to combine.

Cook for 5-7 minutes to reduce the mixture.

Add tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper, and stir together.

Smash the tomatoes down with the back of a spoon.

Turn heat down and partially cover the skillet, letting it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

In a separate large pot, add 16 ounces of dried penne to salted boiling water and cook until al dente, then drain.

Remove the sauce from heat and add it to a high-powered blender with chopped basil.

Blend for 2-3 minutes until smooth, until the sauce turns from deep red to almost orange.

Pour the blended sauce back into the skillet.

Add coconut cream and vegan sugar to the sauce and stir together.

Add cooked penne and Violife vegan parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until well combined.

Serve in a bowl with additional parmesan if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens