Actor Margaret Qualley recently revealed her go-to comfort meal during a promotional tour for her new movie, Honey Don’t!. Known for her roles in Maid and The Substance, Qualley shared a personal favorite: penne alla vodka paired with mint chocolate chip ice cream.

In a video for the New York Times cooking section, Qualley demonstrated her pizza-making skills while discussing her culinary preferences. As she crafted her pizza with fresh mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and olives, the topic of vodka sauce emerged. She nostalgically recounted, "I like penne alla vodka. I used to have that every Friday night. Penne alla vodka and Breyer’s mint chocolate chip ice cream."

Vodka sauce, often celebrated for its creamy texture and robust flavor, surprisingly ranks as a nutritious alternative to many tomato-based sauces. Home-cooked and jarred varieties frequently contain little to no added sugar, making them a healthier choice compared to marinara sauces. With tomatoes as a primary ingredient, vodka sauce is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, which contribute to overall health, particularly for skin and eyes.

For a balanced meal, Qualley suggests enjoying vodka sauce with whole-wheat pasta and a side salad. EatingWell even recommends recipes like Creamy Penne alla Vodka with Chicken & Spinach that make for a satisfying yet simple dinner.

To complete her meal, Qualley has a soft spot for mint chocolate chip ice cream. At EatingWell, it’s believed that moderation allows for the inclusion of any favorite food, including ice cream, as part of a healthy eating pattern.

For further vodka sauce recipe ideas, consider trying Chicken Parmesan alla Vodka or a vegetarian option like Chickpeas alla Vodka.

For more insights, you can read the full article on EatingWell.