LIGHTENED-UP PENNE A LA VODKA

Lightened-Up Penne a la Vodka image

You save big on fat here by replacing some of the cream with 2-percent Greek yogurt, which provides the same creaminess and richness as a full-fat version.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

Kosher salt
12 ounces whole-wheat penne
1/4 cup 2-percent Greek yogurt
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/3 cup vodka
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup loosely packed Italian flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
Whisk the yogurt with the cream in a measuring cup and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and stir in the tomatoes and vodka. Return the skillet to medium heat, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring often, until the alcohol cooks off and the sauce comes together and thickens, about 7 minutes. Stir in the yogurt-cream mixture and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
Add the pasta, Parmesan, parsley and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the skillet and toss to combine. Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce as needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 560 calorie, Fat 14 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Cholesterol 30 milligrams, Sodium 1010 milligrams, Carbohydrate 79 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 19 grams, Sugar 4 grams