Description

This quick and flavorful Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta features smoked turkey bacon and creamy plant-based cheese, creating a comforting meal full of vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines simplicity with gourmet taste perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Base

12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta of choice
Olive oil, for sautéing
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Key Flavor Ingredients

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (natural), chopped
6 slices smoked turkey bacon
1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded or chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced

Flavor Enhancers

1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Once done, remove bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.
Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add minced garlic to the pan with the bacon drippings and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes to release their intense flavor.
Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar (natural). Gradually stir in the plant-based cheese (plant-based), allowing it to melt and create a rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach desired consistency.
Combine Pasta and Bacon: Toss the freshly cooked pasta and crispy turkey bacon into the sauce, ensuring everything is well coated. Finish with chopped fresh basil leaves and season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your beautiful Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta warm, preparing for compliments from everyone who tries it.

Notes

Don’t overcook pasta; al dente holds up best against the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
Use good quality sun-dried tomatoes, preferably oil-packed versions for tenderness and flavor.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
Fresh basil brightens the dish and balances the creaminess.
Cook bacon until crispy to add vital texture and smoky notes to the pasta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg

Keywords: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, turkey bacon pasta, quick dinner, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce