Creamy and bright penne ala vodka is a delicious and easy to make pasta. In this recipe, we boost the nutrition of this classic pasta dish by adding a full package of tofu, secretly hidden in the sauce. The flavours of tomatoes, cream and parmesan are so delicious, you won’t even notice there’s any tofu inside, but you’ll reap all the health benefits!
Penne ala vodka is perfect for a weeknight meal when you have little time to cook, yet its also elegant enough for a weekend dinner with guests. This smooth and creamy tomatoe sauce is typically made with tomatoe paste, cream, a splash of vodka and a generous helping of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
In this recipe, we hide an entire package of soft tofu! Simply add the cream and tofu in a blender and pulse to combine before adding it to the sauce. You won’t taste the tofu but it’ll add to the rich, creamy texture and you get all the extra nutrition!
Tofu has so many health benefits
- Excellent source of protein.
- Good source of iron, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc.
- Contains isoflavones that may help in preventing some cancers, heart disease and osteoporosis.
What you’ll need to make penne ala vodka:
- Whole wheat penne: Whole wheat pasta has more fiber and the firmer texture holds up well to the rich, creamy sauce.
- Italian sausage: For savouriness and protein.
- Mushrooms: To sneak in more veg! I mince them when I make this pasta so they are hidden. Otherwise my daughters won’t eat them! If there’s no picky eaters in your house, sliced mushrooms would be much nicer.
- Tomato paste: For bright, concentrated tomato flavour.
- Heavy cream: For rich creaminess.
- Tofu: Good source of protein, iron, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc.
- Vodka: Intensifies the tomatoe flavours.
- Garlic and onion: The essential base for everything!
- Parmesan cheese: Gives a depth of flavour and salty, cheesiness.
- Chili flakes: A touch of heat to balance out the creamy tomatoe sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Everything tastes better perfectly seasoned.
FOR MORE HIDDEN TOFU RECIPES, CHECK OUT:
- Healthy frittata with hidden tofu
- Oreo cheesecake with hidden tofu
- Pesto pasta with hidden tofu
- Homemade soft cheese rolls with hidden tofu
Penne ala vodka with hidden tofu
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Half an onion diced
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 380 g Italian sausage meat about 2 large sausages, casings removed
- 8 cremini mushrooms minced if hiding for picky eaters, otherwise sliced
- 3/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vodka
- 350 g soft tofu
- 3/4 cup cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Chili flakes and freshly grated parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water for the sauce. Drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Italian sausage, mushrooms, garlic, salt and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and vodka. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- In a blender, add tofu and cream. Pulse until mixture is smooth. Add to sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add reserved cup of pasta water, pasta and parmesan cheese to the sauce. Mix to combine.
- Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Leave the pasta in the pot with the lid on for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the pasta soak in the sauce.
- Serve and top with chili flakes and more freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
