Low-Carb Pasta alla Vodka

Have a hankering for pasta alla vodka, but assume it’s off limits due to a keto or another low-carb diet? Not to worry! We’ve given pasta with vodka sauce a low-carb makeover. Best of all? It's a straightforward recipe.

So, kick back, relax, and get ready to enjoy delicious guilt-free pasta alla vodka!

Who Came Up with Vodka Sauce?

Vodka seems like an unexpected addition to a pasta sauce, right? Wine…sure! But vodka?

Whether it’s penne alla vodka, rigatoni alla vodka, or, in this case, fettuccine alla vodka, all are ubiquitous on Italian menus. And, while the smooth, creamy, tomato-based sauce might taste classically Italian, it’s one of those less traditional dishes with debatable origins.

There are theories about the concept of vodka and pasta. Some believe a Roman chef developed the dish in the 1970s as part of a vodka company’s promotional campaign (to, of course, encourage more cooking with vodka).

Others believe vodka sauce is an American (specifically New York) invention. Many chefs experimented with new dishes and sauces throughout the city, especially in Little Italy. The dish surged in popularity there in the 1980s.

There is also a story about Luigi Franzese, a New York chef, who discovered the dish in the 1970s simply because he preferred vodka to deglaze his pans. Others attribute a Bologna, Italy restaurant to creating Penne alla Russa (giving a nod to vodka’s Russian homeland).

Regardless, the sauce is delicious, and surprisingly, vodka serves a distinct culinary purpose: depth to the dish. Alcohol helps release the flavor compounds in tomatoes, making them more pronounced and intense while also helping to balance the acidity with the sauce's creaminess. The slight sharpness of vodka also cuts through the richness of the cream. Finally, it helps to emulsify the sauce into a silky and cohesive mixture.

This dish is ALL ABOUT the sauce, so while many people opt for the traditional penne or rigatoni, you can use any shape you like. We prefer It’s Skinny Fettuccini because it pairs well with the creaminess (spaghetti, and even pappardelle, would be ideal at home here, too).

Making Pasta Dishes Skinny with It’s Skinny

So, how do you make pasta without carbs? In a comforting dish like pasta alla vodka, skipping the traditional noodles may sound like a crime.

But once you try It's Skinny, you'll realize there's no missing out with this perfect pasta option! It's Skinny shirataki noodles have zero net carbohydrates and only 9 calories per pack. That means you can eat pasta without the weighed-down, heavy-carb feeling.

It’s Skinny still has the same great texture you’re craving, and it couldn’t be easier to prepare. Open up the package, drain off the liquid, and set your noodles aside. Cook your other ingredients, and then let the noodles heat through. In just a few minutes, you have a pasta dish that you can feel great about.

Try all the different shapes of It’s Skinny:

·       Orzo

·       Spaghetti

·       Couscous

·       Pappardelle

·       Fettuccine

·       Angel Hair

·       Noodles for Soup

With so many varieties to choose from, it’s easy to find your perfect pasta partner for all your favorite recipes. If you’re looking for ideas, don’t miss our big recipe database. We have all kinds of inspo to cook up delicious, low-carb dishes.

So, how did It’s Skinny get these fantastic stats? We use an ingredient called konjac. Imagine a root vegetable like a radish crossed with a turnip. Konjac has many health benefits, and it contains high levels of fiber to help you feel full and satisfied.

No matter what other ingredients you choose with your pasta, you'll love It's Skinny. Lighten up your dinner with It's Skinny. It's keto-friendly, plant-based, low-carb, and gluten-free; ideal for ANY lifestyle and the perfect base for ANY meal.

Making pasta alla Vodka Your Own

Cooking is fun, and what better way to enjoy cooking than to experiment in the kitchen? Pasta alla vodka is all about that sauce, with many ways to customize the recipe and various additions. Here are a few ways to “doctor” it up.

Can I add protein?

Pasta alla vodka is an excellent platform for any protein. Additions like pancetta and sausage add extra depth. The best proteins for vodka pasta are chicken (mild and versatile), shrimp (light and elegant), or Italian sausage (rich and flavorful).

Bacon adds a salty, crispy component pairing quite nicely with this dish, plus the smokey contrast works well with the sauce. Salmon can also work, but keep the portion smaller to not overpower the other ingredients.

Of course, you could go classic with ground beef (or ground turkey), adding a Bolognese-style twist to the vodka sauce. Just brown the meat with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs, and add to your sauce!

How do I make this keto? Is vodka sauce keto?

Traditional vodka sauce has sugar and high-carb pasta. You'll already cut out most carbohydrates by using It’s Skinny Fettuccine (or any favorite shape). However, you can also skip the sugar in the sauce or choose keto-friendly sweeteners to balance acidity. Also, consider tomato paste or low-carb crushed tomatoes over traditional marinara.

As for the vodka, it’s a distilled spirit without residual sugars. Flavored vodkas, though, often contain added sugar, so be sure to choose plain, unflavored vodka in the sauce. Since you’re only using a small proportion, the amount per serving is negligible. For those who avoid alcohol altogether, try alcohol-free substitutes such as chicken or vegetable broth, diluted white wine vinegar, or additional cream and seasoning to offer richness.

What about spices and veggies? How can I boost the flavor?

Vodka sauce is all about the delicious flavor. Add red pepper flakes, garlic, and seasoning if you like a little kick to your sauce. The fresh basil really adds the perfect touch, so it’s worth the extra effort to get your hands on some.

As for vegetables perfect for pairing with this dish, the sky’s truly the limit! You can add spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus, or broccoli. The richness of the tomato sauce goes well with the onion, but shallots may be an even better choice!

Keto Pasta all Vodka Recipe

Ready to make this yummy pasta dish? It doesn’t take too much time or too many ingredients for a low-carb meal that will blow your mind! It’s Skinny Fettuccine works perfectly here, but you could also try any variety you prefer, like spaghetti or pappardelle.

Ingredients

·       1 pack It’s Skinny Fettuccine

·       2 tbsp butter or olive oil

·       ½ small onion, finely diced

·       2 cloves garlic, minced

·       ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

·       ¼ cup vodka

·       3 tbsp tomato paste (or ½ cup crushed tomatoes, no sugar added)

·       ½ tsp Italian seasoning

·       ¼ cup heavy cream

·       ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

·       ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

·       ¼ tsp black pepper

·       1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Drain and rinse the It’s Skinny Fettucine. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 more seconds.

Step 3: Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup of vodka. Stir to loosen any bits from the pan and allow the sauce to simmer for about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste or crushed tomatoes and the Italian seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Turn the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Continue stirring and simmering for another minute. Add the parmesan cheese, stirring to melt. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Add the It's Skinny Fettuccine to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Allow the noodles to heat through for 2-3 minutes. Plate the pasta and sprinkle with fresh basil and extra parmesan to serve!