Protein Pasta & Vodka Sauce
By: Remy Raccuia
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes
I’ve never met a pasta dish I don’t like - but this is truly one of my favorites! Vodka sauce is rich in flavor in minimal time. My secret to making my pasta dishes more filling is using protein pasta. The daily recommended average of protein for women is 46 grams (Gunnars, 2018). Protein pasta has 10 grams of protein per serving (Protein+), making it an efficient and delicious way to reach that goal.
We’ve all learned in science class that proteins are a building block, but what purpose do they serve? Eating a protein-filled diet allows our body to sustain energy throughout the day. In addition to powering you through all those WFH Zoom’s, protein also keeps your muscles, skin, nails, and hair in healthy condition (Toth, MS, RD, 2020).
Ingredients:
1 box protein pasta
1 can tomato paste
¼ cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons vodka
A few spoonfuls of crushed red pepper flakes (more if you love spice!)
1 tablespoon butter
Salt & pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions:
While the pasta is boiling, begin adding the chopped garlic and olive oil to a large skillet on medium heat.
After about two minutes, stir in the tomato paste. Stir occasionally for five minutes until the paste is fully cooked down.
Add two tablespoons of vodka and stir until all the vodka has dissolved into the sauce mixture.
Next, add the heavy cream. Continue to stir in order for the cream to be spread evenly throughout.
Once the sauce begins to thicken, toss in the crushed red pepper flakes.
Add salt & pepper to taste.
Add one tablespoon of butter and the cooked pasta to the skillet. It is very important to toss the pasta and sauce together until completely coated.
Serve with parmesan cheese and chili flakes on top and enjoy!
Reference List:
Gunnars BSc, Kris. (2018). Protein Intake - How Much Protein Should You Eat Per Day? Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-protein-per-day#what-it-is
2018. Protein+. Barilla. Retrieved from https://www.barilla.com/en-us/product-results/pasta/range/proteinplus?sort=alpha
Toth MS, RD, Lindsey. (2020). Protein Benefits, The Best Types of Protein & How Much Protein You Need. Swanson. Retrieved from https://www.swansonvitamins.com/blog/lindsey/protein-benefits-the-best-types-of-protein-how-much-protein-you-need