Protein Vodka Penne (Print Version)

# 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:

01 - Blend together the crushed tomatoes and cottage cheese until smooth and pink. Put aside.
02 - Heat a big pot of water until it starts boiling for the pasta.
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.
04 - Pour the vodka into the pan with the aromatics and let it cook until the alcohol smell fades, about 5 minutes.
05 - Put the blended tomato mixture and seasonings into the pan, stirring well. Let this simmer on medium heat.
06 - Boil the penne until it’s just tender (al dente). Save ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining.
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:

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

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