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Creamy Dairy-Free Penne Vodka

dairy-free penne vodka - featured image
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A rich and velvety dairy-free penne vodka sauce made with a secret ingredient—sunflower seeds! This quick and easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup (70g) raw sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup (30g) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened cashew milk
  • 3 tablespoons (45g) tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vodka
  • 1 tablespoon (5g) nutritional yeast (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous tablespoon of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
  2. In a blender, combine raw sunflower seeds, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and cashew milk. Blend on high for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth. Set aside.
  3. Once water is boiling, add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then drain and set aside.
  4. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Add tomato paste and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until darkened and fragrant.
  5. Pour in vodka and stir vigorously for about 1 minute until the alcohol smell fades and mixture thickens slightly.
  6. Pour the creamy sunflower seed mixture into the skillet. Add onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
  7. Stir in nutritional yeast if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  8. Add drained penne to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated. Add pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed for desired consistency.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

For best results, use raw, unsalted sunflower seeds. Toasting them in a dry pan before blending adds extra nutty depth. Always reserve pasta water before draining—it helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of water or plant milk. The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: dairy-free, vegan, penne vodka, sunflower seed sauce, creamy pasta, dairy-free pasta, quick dinner

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/creamy-dairy-free-penne-vodka/