Protien vodka pasta ♥️
Ingredients:
• 1 box protein pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped, optional)
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half & half
• 1/4–1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes
•. basil
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta
• Boil salted water and cook protein pasta according to package directions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Add vodka
• Pour in vodka and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
4. Add marinara sauce and stir.
• Pour in heavy cream and mix until smooth.
5. Add cooked pasta to the sauce.
• Stir in parmesan cheese.
• Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen.
6. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
• Top with extra parmesan + basil if you want
If you're looking to add a nutritious twist to your traditional vodka pasta, using protein pasta is a fantastic choice. Protein pasta not only provides the comforting, satisfying texture we love but also boosts your meal’s protein content, making it an ideal option for those wanting to stay full longer or support muscle repair. When preparing this dish, I recommend using a good quality vodka to enhance the flavors without overpowering the sauce. Allowing the vodka to simmer properly for a couple of minutes is key to cooking off the alcohol while extracting the subtle depth it imparts. The combination of marinara sauce with heavy cream creates a rich and creamy base that pairs wonderfully with the slight tanginess from the tomato sauce. In my experience, adding a splash of pasta water helps to marry the sauce with the pasta, ensuring every bite is evenly coated without being too thick or runny. Grated Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end adds a savory, umami flavor that rounds out the dish beautifully. Feel free to customize this recipe by adjusting the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or swapping basil for fresh parsley if you prefer a milder herbaceous note. This dish not only comes together quickly but also makes for an inviting and cozy dinner, perfect for sharing or meal prepping for the week ahead.