Creamy Dairy-Free Penne alla Vodka with Cashew Sauce

Dairy-Free Penne Vodka — a simple, vegan-friendly pasta made creamy with hummus instead of heavy cream. Nutritious, satisfying, and quick to prepare.

Recipe was created using Sabra hummus samples for inspiration. This dish pairs plant-based protein and fiber with classic penne vodka flavors.

Swapping heavy cream for hummus delivers a creamy texture while adding plant protein and fiber, which fits perfectly with a move toward more plant-forward meals. Using sun-dried tomato hummus adds a bright, savory note, but any flavorful hummus will work. Whole wheat pasta contributes extra fiber and a hearty bite.

What makes this Dairy Free Penne Vodka Delicious & Healthy

• Whole wheat pasta for added fiber
• Reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce
• Olive oil for sautéing aromatics
• Shallots and garlic for depth of flavor
• Vodka to round and lift the tomato sauce
• Tomato puree as the sauce base
• Crushed red pepper for a touch of heat
• Sun-dried tomato hummus to create creaminess without dairy
• Fresh parsley and salt to finish

How to make this Dairy Free Penne Vodka

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook 1 pound of whole wheat pasta according to package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain and set the pasta aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Sauté 2 minced shallots until softened, about 3 minutes, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds.

Remove the pan from the heat and carefully add ¼ cup vodka. Return the pan to the stove set to low and cook for 2 minutes to let the alcohol cook off and the flavor integrate. Stir in 1 (15-ounce) can tomato puree and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, then simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat and whisk in ¾ cup sun-dried tomato hummus until smooth. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding 1–2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water at a time if the sauce is too thick. Season to taste with salt and finish with chopped parsley before serving.

Pro Tips

• Always remove the pan from direct heat before adding vodka to avoid flare-ups.
• For a cheesier flavor, stir in ¼–⅓ cup nutritional yeast with the hummus. If you tolerate dairy, a sprinkle of Parmesan works too.
• If reheating leftovers, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to restore a silky sauce consistency.

FAQs

Can you freeze this dairy free penne vodka?

Freezing the assembled pasta may change the texture of the noodles. If you plan to freeze, freeze the sauce only and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Can you taste the vodka?

The vodka doesn’t make the dish boozy; it subtly brightens and balances the tomato flavors. You can omit it, but the sauce will have a slightly different profile.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by substituting gluten-free pasta for the whole wheat pasta.

Money-Saving Tips for the Penne Vodka Recipe:

Buy in bulk. Stock up on staples like pasta, canned tomato products, and pantry essentials to lower the per-serving cost.

More pasta recipes:

Vegan Mac & Cheese {Cashew-Free}

Dairy-Free Alfredo Sauce

Balsamic Pasta Salad with Tofu

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Dairy-Free Penne Vodka

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Author: Emily Cooper
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4
• Diet: Vegan