Lighter Penne à la Vodka

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups bottled marinara sauce, preferably no-sugar-added
• 1 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk or plain soy milk
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
• 1 pound whole-grain penne
• 1/4 cup vodka (inexpensive)
• 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt when simmering.

2. Warm marinara in a saucepan over medium heat. Slowly add milk, stirring until combined. Bring to a simmer, then lower heat; simmer until sauce reduces slightly. Add crushed red pepper.

3. Add penne to boiling water. Cook until almost done; add vodka to marinara mixture, and raise heat slightly. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.

4. In a large bowl, toss pasta with sauce and Parmigiano-Reggiano, adding some reserved water to thin sauce, if needed. Garnish with parsley, and serve.