Description
This Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta combines the rich tang of sun-dried tomatoes with smoky turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and creamy plant-based cheese to deliver a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- 3/4 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), at room temperature
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by boiling salted water for the pasta. While waiting, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs, and turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. This prep work makes cooking smooth and fast.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Save a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Turkey Bacon and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey bacon and cook until crisp. Then, toss in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the plant-based cheese (plant-based), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well and add a splash of the reserved pasta water along with a small amount of natural gelling agent to create a smooth sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne into the skillet and toss everything together over low heat. Incorporate fresh basil and parsley last to maintain their brightness. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate your Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs or plant-based cheese on top. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while creamy and warm.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness perfectly.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes gently to avoid burning.
- Use plant-based cheese at room temperature for easier melting.
- Add fresh herbs last to preserve their vibrant flavor and color.
- Adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar to balance richness and brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: sun-dried tomato pasta, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, weeknight dinner
