Penne with Vodka Sauce

Penne with Vodka Sauce

Penne with Vodka Sauce

Serves 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 ½ hours

Estimated Values per Serving:

Calories: 275                        Fat: 2 grams                          Points: 5

Ingredients:

½ small onion – minced

1 clove garlic – minced

½ cup white wine

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons fresh basil – finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

1 Bay leaf

Salt and pepper

¾ cup vodka

½ cup fat free half and half

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

1 pound high fiber penne pasta

Directions:

1. Heat a large saucepot on medium heat, spray with cooking spray and add onions.  Sauté for 3 – 5 minutes until softened and browned.  Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Add wine and cook until the liquid is absorbed.
3. Add tomatoes, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt and pepper and simmer for about 60 minutes.
4. Remove bay leaf and cool sauce.  Pour sauce into a food processor and puree.
5. Pour sauce back into saucepot, add vodka and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. While sauce is simmering, cook penne in a large pot of water, about 8 minutes, then drain. 
7. Stir half and half and cheese into vodka sauce until the cheese is melted and blended.  Add drained penne to the sauce and toss to coat then serve.