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Creamy Protein Vodka Penne

Featured in Dinner Ideas That Actually Work.

Blend cottage cheese and tomatoes for the sauce. Cook vodka and aromatics, mix with sauce, simmer, then toss with cooked pasta. Add parmesan and you’re done—ready in half an hour.
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Clare Recipes
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 02:15:56 GMT
Protein Vodka Penne Pin it
Protein Vodka Penne | recipesclare.com

This elevated penne alla vodka recipe transforms a classic Italian comfort dish into a protein-rich weeknight meal. The secret lies in a clever ingredient swap that maintains the signature creamy texture while adding impressive nutritional benefits. Ready in just 30 minutes, it delivers authentic flavor without hours of cooking.

This modernized version has passed the ultimate test - receiving enthusiastic approval from traditional Italian home cooks who were amazed by its rich, creamy texture.

Key Ingredients

  • Penne pasta: Traditional choice, but other shapes work well
  • Full-fat cottage cheese: Creates the creamy base
  • Quality crushed tomatoes: Pure tomatoes, not sauce
  • Fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano: For authentic flavor
  • Fresh garlic and onion: Essential aromatics
  • Vodka: Traditional choice (white wine vinegar works too)
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Healthy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe | recipesclare.com

Preparation Steps

Create the Base:
Blend cottage cheese and tomatoes until completely smooth.
Develop Flavors:
Saute onions and garlic until softened and fragrant.
Add Depth:
Incorporate vodka and allow alcohol to cook off completely, about 5 minutes.
Combine:
Stir in blended sauce mixture and simmer until thickened.
Finish:
Toss with al dente pasta, using reserved cooking water to achieve desired consistency.

The protein-rich sauce creates such an authentic creamy texture that most guests assume it contains traditional heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside toasted garlic bread and fresh arugula salad. Top with grilled shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal.

Variations

Add fresh spinach, substitute white wine vinegar for vodka, or incorporate seasonal herbs like basil.

Storage

Keeps refrigerated for 4 days. When reheating, add a small amount of water to restore the creamy consistency.

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Easy Healthy Penne Alla Vodka | recipesclare.com

Pro Tips

  • Reserved pasta water is essential for proper sauce consistency
  • Slightly undercook pasta as it will finish in the sauce
  • Adjust sauce thickness through gentle simmering

This recipe demonstrates how thoughtful ingredient substitutions can create healthier versions of classic dishes while maintaining authentic flavors and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the benefit of using cottage cheese?
It brings extra protein and adds a creamy touch without needing heavy cream, making it a lighter option.
→ Is the vodka mandatory?
Nope, you can replace it with white wine vinegar for a similar effect.
→ Why keep some pasta water aside?
That starchy water binds the sauce perfectly, helping it stick to the pasta.
→ Can this be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free pasta of your choice.
→ How long will leftovers last?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll be good for about four days.

Protein Vodka Penne

A unique high-protein twist on vodka sauce with blended cottage cheese for a rich, velvety texture—no heavy cream in sight!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (9 cups)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 16 oz dry penne pasta
02 1 cup creamy cottage cheese (preferably 4%)
03 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes

→ Aromatics

04 3 garlic cloves, finely minced (about 1 tablespoon)
05 ½ cup chopped onions
06 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Seasonings

07 2 tablespoons vodka, or swap with ½ teaspoon of white wine vinegar
08 ½ teaspoon of dried basil or ¼ cup fresh (chopped)
09 ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
10 ⅛ teaspoon salt
11 ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

→ Additional

12 ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water

Instructions

Step 01

Blend together the crushed tomatoes and cottage cheese until smooth and pink. Put aside.

Step 02

Heat a big pot of water until it starts boiling for the pasta.

Step 03

Add olive oil to a pan and warm it over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they turn clear.

Step 04

Pour the vodka into the pan with the aromatics and let it cook until the alcohol smell fades, about 5 minutes.

Step 05

Put the blended tomato mixture and seasonings into the pan, stirring well. Let this simmer on medium heat.

Step 06

Boil the penne until it’s just tender (al dente). Save ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 07

Take the sauce off the heat. Toss in the pasta, parmesan, and saved pasta water. Mix until everything’s smooth and coated evenly.

Notes

  1. Make sure your pasta is cooked until it's just firm, not overdone.
  2. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  3. You can toss in cooked shrimp, chicken, or sausage if you want extra protein.
  4. Swap regular pasta for gluten-free if that works better for you.

Tools You'll Need

  • Blender
  • Large cooking pot
  • Sauté pan
  • Strainer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy products
  • Contains gluten from wheat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 433
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 70 g
  • Protein: 19 g