Low-FODMAP & Gluten-free 20-Minute Penne Alla Vodka

I just took a trip to South Florida with my college student daughter.   She lives in a smaller town for school, and is a vegetarian that is addicted to pasta dishes.

Her latest passion is ‘pasta alla vodka’.  We ate Italian for 3 nights so she could get this at every dinnertime, since she ‘can’t get it back home’.  Rich, creamy and so flavorful, I couldn’t help but sample.  However, all the onions in the dish certainly kept me from eating much.

I (naturally), became inspired to make it at home for all of us!  So, here is a gorgeous low-FODMAP Penne Alla Vodka recipe that is gluten-free and filled with flavor.  You won’t find real onion or garlic, but instead I used infused oils.

This dish is a sumptuous and rich one, with heavy cream providing the necessary silky sauce.  Don’t skimp on that, but don’t eat a lot if your tummy doesn’t digest high fat food well.

Remember, the low-FODMAP diet is NOT lactose-free.  Heavy cream does contain lactose, but in small amounts.  If you don’t have infused oils, I do recommend getting some.  These are a pantry staple (my low-FODMAP Recipe Swap blog shares other great tips for recipe modifications).  Since FODMAPs are not dissolved in an oil base, these are a perfect way to add flavor and richness to a recipe and keep your tummy happy. 

For some pasta suggestions that are gluten-free and low-FODMAP- check out my full low-FODMAP Grocery Shopping List here.  For what alcohol and cocktails are low-FODMAP, see my low-FODMAP Cocktail Collection (vodka is low-FODMAP).

You may also love my:

• Low-FODMAP Chicken Parmesan/Parmigiano
• Low-FODMAP One-Skillet 30 Minute Chicken Cacciatore
• Low-FODMAP Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese
• Low-FODMAP 30-Minute Tuscan Chicken
• Low-FODMAP Italian Meatballs
• Low-FODMAP Meat and Quinoa One-Pot

Be healthy and happy,

Rachel Pauls, MD

Low-FODMAP & Gluten-free Penne Alla Vodka

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A super easy and gorgeous recipe for low-FODMAP Penne alla Vodka. It cooks up in 30 minutes! IBS-friendly and gluten-free.

• Author: Dr. Rachel Pauls
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main course
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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• 8 ounces uncooked LF, gluten-free penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons garlic infused olive oil*
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon onion infused oil; divided
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) vodka*
• 1/2 cup all-natural tomato paste
• 3/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream*
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1/2 ounce fresh basil, chopped, plus for garnish* 
• Freshly grated Parmesan, optional

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Instructions

• Boil a large pot of water for the penne and cook it al dente according to package instructions (about 7 minutes)
• While cooking, add the infused oils to a skillet over medium heat and allow to warm
• Add the vodka and let the sauce bubble for 30 seconds or so
• Stir in the tomato paste until well combined, then add the cream slowly and reduce heat 
• As the sauce thickens, stir intermittently and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using
• Before draining pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of the water from the pasta, set aside for later
• Add the pasta water to the sauce to loosen, as needed (start with 1/4 cup, then add a tablespoon at a time)
• Stir in the basil, and add seasoning to taste
• Drain pasta and toss with 1 teaspoon of infused oil, then place in the skillet to cover with the sauce
• Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving

Notes

• Although this recipe has not been lab tested, a single serving should be low FODMAP based on ingredients at time of posting
• For a low lactose version (or vegan), canned coconut cream can be subbed for heavy cream.  You may omit the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast in its place
• Use a good quality tomato paste without added onion or garlic
• For low-FODMAP pasta brands, see my low-FODMAP Grocery Shopping blog.  I used Barilla
• Infused oils are a pantry staple! You can buy many brands at Amazon.  The FODMAPs do not dissolve in an oil base so you may tolerate them
• 2 tablespoons is one low-FODMAP serving for tomato paste
• The fresh basil is non traditional, but I love the flavor.  You may choose to omit it, if you wish