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Spring Pasta Recipe

Spring Pasta Recipe


  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Spring Pasta Recipe is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish featuring crisp seasonal vegetables, savory smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or sharing with friends, it offers a delightful burst of color and flavor that balances lightness with satisfying nourishment.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 250g penne or fusilli pasta of choice
  • 100g smoked turkey bacon, cut into pieces

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 200g asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 100g peas (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 fresh basil leaves

Oils, Acids and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheese and Additives

  • 50g plant-based cheese (creamy, melting)
  • Natural gelling agent (optional, for sauces or dressings)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Trim and cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Set aside frozen peas to thaw. Mince the garlic finely to ensure quick infusion of flavor without burning.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about one cup of pasta water for later use.
  3. Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon pieces and cook until crispy and golden. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic for about one minute until fragrant. Add asparagus and cook for 3 minutes until tender-crisp. Toss in cherry tomatoes and peas, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. Combine Pasta and Flavors: Return the smoked turkey bacon to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained pasta and splash some reserved pasta water to keep the mixture moist. Stir in lemon juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar to brighten and enrich the dish.
  6. Finish with Plant-Based Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle plant-based cheese over the mixture and gently stir to melt and combine. Remove from heat and toss in fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, uplifting finish.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just right to maintain perfect texture and prevent mushiness.
  • Do not over-sauté asparagus and peas to keep a pleasant crunch.
  • Use reserved pasta water to help sauce cling and loosen textures.
  • Season gradually with salt, pepper, and vinegar for balanced flavors.
  • Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its aroma and brightness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: International

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: spring pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, smoked turkey bacon pasta, easy pasta recipe, vegetable pasta, gluten free pasta