Description
Creamy Ditalini Pasta combines tender ditalini pasta with a rich, plant-based cheese sauce and smoky smoked turkey bacon for a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Proteins
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 4 ounces smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup plant-based cheese
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the ditalini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve one cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and aromatic. Add the chopped smoked turkey bacon pieces and cook until browned and crisp, releasing a smoky aroma.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Pour the vegetable broth combined with the plant-based cheese into the skillet. Whisk gently to create a smooth sauce. Stir in the natural gelling agent gradually to thicken the sauce to a luscious texture. Finish by stirring in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to add a savory umami note.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked ditalini pasta into the skillet. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the ditalini pasta to maintain a pleasant al dente texture.
- Use room temperature plant-based cheese for smoother and quicker melting.
- Add the natural gelling agent gradually to avoid making the sauce too firm.
- Cooking the smoked turkey bacon along with aromatics helps infuse the dish with deep smoky flavors.
- Add fresh herbs last to preserve their bright flavor and vibrant appearance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Creamy ditalini pasta, plant-based cheese sauce, smoked turkey bacon, quick pasta recipe, savory pasta dish, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
