Description
This easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal combining creamy plant-based cheese, smoky turkey bacon, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a rich, comforting dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you need a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice (penne or fettuccine recommended)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (natural), chopped
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, 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. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining for the sauce.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and toss in minced garlic. Let it cook until fragrant but not browned. Then, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes to infuse the oil with their bold flavor.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), stirring gently. Then lower the heat and stir in the plant-based cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce until well coated. Add the cooked smoked turkey bacon back in and stir gently to combine all the flavors.
- Finish with fresh basil: Remove from heat and fold in chopped fresh basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish before serving.
Notes
- Salt your pasta water generously to season the pasta internally as it cooks.
- Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce without watering down flavor.
- Use good-quality sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and color.
- Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness; sauté only until fragrant.
- Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its vibrant flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: sun-dried tomato pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, quick dinner, creamy pasta, turkey bacon pasta
