# What you'll need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz whole wheat penne or rigatoni
→ Sauce
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
06 - 1/2 cup vodka
07 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
08 - 1/2 cup low-fat or plant-based cream
09 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Festive Red & Green
11 - 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
12 - 3 cups baby spinach leaves
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
14 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
# Method:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook an additional minute.
03 - Pour in vodka and allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until reduced by half.
04 - Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Reduce heat and stir in cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
06 - Mix in roasted red peppers and baby spinach leaves, cooking until spinach wilts, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
07 - Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
08 - Plate pasta and top with chopped fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
