Dairy Free Penne Alla Vodka

Name: Dairy Free Penne Alla Vodka
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3/4 cup raw almonds, soaked in water for at least 4 hours or up to 10 hours; 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (optional, cut into 1/2-inch pieces); 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup vodka; 1 large yellow onion diced; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 28- ounce can crushed tomatoes; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 pound whole wheat penne (or similar whole wheat pasta); 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; Thinly sliced fresh basil or chopped fresh parsley

This Dairy Free Penne Alla Vodka is a creamy, comforting dish that's perfect for anyone looking to indulge without the dairy. With a rich blend of flavors and a hint of heat, it’s a delightful meal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

0.8 cupraw almonds (soaked in water for at least 4 hours or up to 10 hours)
0.8 cupunsweetened almond milk
2 tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
1 poundboneless skinless chicken breasts (optional (cut into 1/2-inch pieces))
1 teaspoonkosher salt divided
0.3 teaspoonground black pepper
1 cupvodka
1large yellow onion diced
3 clovesgarlic minced
128- ounce can crushed tomatoes
0.5 teaspoondried oregano
0.3 teaspooncrushed red pepper flakes
1 poundwhole wheat penne (or similar whole wheat pasta)
2 tablespoonsnutritional yeast
Thinly sliced fresh basil or chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 0 of 9 completed

Start by soaking the raw almonds in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them. This will help create a creamy sauce.

While the almonds soak, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.

In a blender, combine the soaked almonds with the almond milk and blend until smooth. Set the almond cream aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. If using chicken, season the breasts with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, stirring to combine.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the almond cream and nutritional yeast, allowing it to thicken slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.

Toss the cooked penne into the sauce until well coated. Slice the cooked chicken and serve it on top of the pasta.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, dairy-free penne alla vodka!

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Adapted from wellplated.com. Ingredients sourced from the original; description and instructions are original to Fork.