Hey everyone! Life can get crazy busy, especially when you’re trying to juggle work, family, and making healthy meals. Like many of you, I find myself reaching for takeout menus more often than I’d like.
Recently, my husband’s doctor flagged his cholesterol, so I’ve been on a mission to create delicious meals that are good for him too. This one-pot penne vodka recipe is a winner! It’s packed with flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes, and uses some clever swaps to keep it heart-healthy.
Contents
What I love about it:
- Plant-Based Power: We’re using Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef for a satisfying protein punch without the saturated fat. It crumbles beautifully and adds a meaty texture.
- Sneak Attack Veggies: This is where you can get creative! Sauteed spinach, mushrooms, or chopped zucchini would all disappear seamlessly into the sauce.
- Creamy, Dreamy Sauce: Primal Kitchen’s No-Dairy Vodka Sauce is a lifesaver. It’s bursting with tomato flavor and keeps things dairy-free, which is a win for us.
- One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is all about minimizing dishes! Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
The breakdown (all ingredients easily found at Whole Foods!):
- Protein Power:
- 1 package Bonza Penne (regular penne works too!)
- 1 package Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef
- The Vodka Magic:
- 1 jar Primal Kitchen No-Dairy Vodka Sauce
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 serving Bragg’s Nutritional Yeast (adds a salty, cheesy touch)
- 1 Tbs of Blue Agave Syrup (balances the acidity)
- 1 Tbs Minced Garlic (adds a sharp burst of flavor, and great health benefits)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- The Secret Weapon:
- Reserved Pasta Water (gives the pasta sauce a thick texture)
Macros (per 200g serving, estimated):
- Calories: Around 500-600 (depending on the brand of sauce and crumble)
- Carbs: Around 60g (mostly from the pasta)
- Protein: Around 25g (thanks to the plant-based crumbles)
- Fat: Around 20g (mostly from the olive oil and Primal Kitchen sauce)
Tips & Tricks:
- Salty, Happy Water: Always salt your pasta water! Aim for a flavor that tastes like the sea. This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
- Pasta Perfection: The package directions are a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to adjust the cooking time for your desired texture. Want it a bit softer? Cook for an extra minute or two. Just remember to keep an eye on the plant-based to avoid mushy or broken pasta.
- Starchy Savior: Reserve that pasta water! The starchy water helps create a silky smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. Nobody wants a dry pasta dish!
- Veggie Vibrancy: This recipe is a blank canvas for your favorite veggies! Sauteed bell peppers, blanched broccoli, or even chopped spinach would all add color, flavor, and extra nutrients.
- Hemp Heart Power: For an extra nutritional boost, sprinkle some hemp hearts on top before serving. They add a nutty flavor and are a great source of plant-based protein and healthy fats.
- Fresh Finish: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Making it is super simple:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- While the pasta cooks, brown the crumbles and add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
- Add the vodka sauce to the pan with the crumbles and simmer for a minute or two.
- Toss in the garlic, nutritional yeast, and a touch of agave syrup. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about a cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved water to the pan with the sauce. Toss it all together until well combined. Add more pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Plate it up! Garnish with some extra nutritional yeast and fresh cracked pepper for a finishing touch.
Enjoy with & Garnish Ideas:
This recipe is endlessly customizable! Feel free to add your favorite veggies, use regular pasta, or explore different plant-based crumbles.
With its simple ingredients and one-pot convenience, this Penny Vodka Pasta is a delicious and heart-healthy weeknight win. So ditch the takeout menus and give it a try! You won’t regret it.
