Vegan Penne alla Vodka

This Vegan Penne alla Vodka Sauce recipe is creamy, luscious, and easy to put together. Growing up, I’d call this sauce “pink sauce” and always thought of it as a mix between alfredo and marinara.

While making a vegan version of this recipe, we decided to add a smoky tempeh “pancetta” to emphasize the traditional version of this dish.

Matt works in the wines and spirits industry so he often comes home with boxes of leftover booze. He came home with a bottle of vodka recently and since we’re not big drinkers, we decided to put it to use another way — in this creamy, smooth penne alla vodka sauce!

Adding vodka to penne all vodka adds a sweetness to the sauce as the alcohol cooks down. It also helps to cut a little bit of the acidity from the tomato sauce.

The tempeh is infused with a savory marinade that includes a few splashes of liquid smoke. Liquid smoke is like magic in a bottle. If you haven’t tried it yet, buy a small bottle – it’s worth it – it’s so versatile and it lasts forever.

The tempeh pancetta comes out crispy, smoky, savory and just overall mouth watering.  We could seriously eat them all by themselves!  It can also work for any other recipe that calls for bacon, so give it a shot in other recipes too.

So what’s the deal with this Vegan Penne alla Vodka?

• INGREDIENTS: All the good stuff: Cashew Cream // Tempeh “Pancetta” // Marinara Sauce // Vodka (use a vodka that you would drink). Also, penne pasta!
• TIMING: 30 Minutes. Simple to make! The longest part is cooking down the vodka. You need to cook the vodka until it’s no longer fragrant.
• EXTRAS: Peas, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms – do it up! Also, don’t forget to top it with red pepper flakes and vegan parmesan.

Vegan. Vodka. Sauce. Do it!

4.91 from 10 votes

Print Friendly Version

Vegan Penne alla Vodka

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Easy, smooth, and creamy Vegan Vodka Sauce. Made with garlicky marinara sauce, rich cashew cream, and a homemade crispy tempeh 'pancetta'. 

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian, Vegan

Servings: 4 servings

Calories per Serving: 580 kcal

Ingredients

cashew cream

• 1/2 cup cashews*
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 3/4 cup filtered water

tempeh 'pancetta'

• 4 ounces tempeh (usually half a block)
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

to make the vodka sauce

• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup vodka (use a brand you would drink)
• 8 ounces penne pasta

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Start by boiling generously salted water for the pasta. Follow instructions on pasta box for timing and set aside once cooked.

2. *Meanwhile, add raw cashews into a small pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Cover the pot and remove from heat. Let sit for 15 minutes to soak cashews. Drain before using.

3. Once the cashews are ready, add all cashew cream ingredients to a blender. Blend on high for 2 minutes or until creamy.  Set aside. 
   

4. To make the tempeh pancetta, add minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, and black pepper to a medium-sized bowl. Whisk to combine. Dice tempeh into small cubes about one centimeter big. Add tempeh to marinade and mix with a spoon. Cook tempeh, with marinade, in a small skillet over medium-high heat until browned throughout, about 5 minutes (see photo).

5. In a large pan, add 3-4 cups of your favorite marinara sauce and heat over medium-high heat. Add vodka, stir frequently to reduce the sauce by 1/4 cup or until the vodka smell dissipates (about 20 minutes).

6. Once vodka sauce is ready, add your cashew cream mixture and stir to combine. Then add the cooked tempeh "pancetta" and stir to combine. Serve warm over penne.

Recipe Notes

• *The recipe instructions include the 15-minute quick-soak method. If you already have pre-soaked cashews, you can skip that part.
• IDEAS FOR EXTRAS: peas, grape tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, spinach
• Top with red pepper flakes and vegan parmesan.

Nutrition Facts

Vegan Penne alla Vodka

Amount Per Serving

Calories 580 Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Sodium 1799mg78%

Potassium 1265mg36%

Carbohydrates 69g23%

Fiber 7g29%

Sugar 16g18%

Protein 21g42%

Vitamin A 1060IU21%

Vitamin C 17.7mg21%

Calcium 89mg9%

Iron 5.5mg31%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.