Description
This Spring Pasta Recipe features a fresh and vibrant combination of spring vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese (plant-based). It delivers a light, flavorful meal perfect for a quick lunch or comforting dinner, celebrating the natural flavors of the season with easy preparation and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 250g penne or fusilli pasta of choice
Protein
- 100g smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 150g asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g snap peas or fresh green peas
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Oils and Acid
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
Cheese and Herbs
- 75g crumbled plant-based cheese (plant-based)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cooking your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and save a cup of pasta cooking water to help adjust the sauce later.
- Cook Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil (natural) over medium heat, then add chopped smoked turkey bacon pieces. Cook until they are crispy and fragrant, then remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add asparagus pieces and peas, cooking until tender-crisp. Then stir in halved cherry tomatoes, letting them soften slightly without losing their shape.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the veggies and smoked turkey bacon. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural) and drizzle olive oil (natural). If the dish feels dry, stir in some reserved pasta cooking water until you get a light coating on everything.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Toss in crumbled plant-based cheese (plant-based) and freshly chopped herbs like basil and parsley. Give everything a final mix to combine the creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors perfectly.
Notes
- Use the freshest spring vegetables around for bright, crisp flavors.
- Do not overcook the pasta; firm texture creates a better contrast with tender veggies.
- Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce for better coating.
- Add fresh herbs last to maintain their bright color and aroma.
- Cook turkey bacon separately to ensure it stays crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: spring pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, turkey bacon pasta, quick pasta recipe, fresh vegetable pasta, gluten free pasta