Vegan Spicy Vodka Sauce
This vegan spicy vodka pasta sauce is a healthy version of the classic Italian dish, penne alla vodka. This recipe is creamy and cozy, not to mention dairy-free and gluten-free.
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- ¼ cup raw, unsalted cashews
- ¼ cup water
- ½ pound gluten-free pasta penne is traditional
- 1.5 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon each: salt, pepper, dried oregano
- 1 oz vodka
- ¼ teaspoon nutritional yeast
- fresh parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Before cooking, soak the cashews in boiling water. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- When ready to cook, drain the cashews and blend with ¼ cup fresh water. Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Boil water, add some salt, and cook the pasta according to package instructions. The sauce should come together in the time the pasta cooks.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add in the tomato paste and spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vodka and let it evaporate for 1 minute, then add the cashew cream and nutritional yeast.
- Turn the heat to medium low. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water then drain. Add the pasta and pasta water to the sauce skillet and stir to incorporate. Let the pasta cook in the sauce for 1 minute.
- Serve and garnish with fresh parsley and more red pepper flakes. Enjoy!