Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

  • Author: Eric
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Plant-Based

Description

A rich and comforting Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta combining the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the warmth of roasted garlic, and smoky essence of turkey bacon, all enveloped in a silky plant-based cheese sauce. This quick and easy recipe is customizable and perfect for a satisfying dinner without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
  • 4 oz smoked turkey bacon

Sauce Base

  • 6 plump garlic cloves
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup plant-based cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp natural gelling agent
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Extra olive oil (natural), for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook your pasta in plenty of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water to help loosen the sauce if needed.
  2. Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy and golden, then remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess fat.
  3. Roast the Garlic: Add whole garlic cloves to the same skillet and roast gently until fragrant and tender, releasing a sweet, mellow flavor that’s perfect for the sauce base.
  4. Make the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, natural gelling agent, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently to thicken, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  5. Add the Plant-Based Cheese: Stir in plant-based cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy consistency that coats the pasta beautifully.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta and crispy smoked turkey bacon into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil before serving warm for maximum flavor and aroma.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor and aroma.
  • Reserve pasta water when cooking pasta to help the sauce adhere better to the noodles.
  • Simmer the sauce on low heat to avoid bitterness and develop rich flavors.
  • Choose plant-based cheese that melts well for a smooth, creamy sauce texture.
  • Apple cider vinegar balances the richness with a bright, tangy note.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: creamy tomato garlic pasta, plant-based pasta recipe, smoky turkey bacon pasta, quick pasta dinner, easy weeknight meal, vegetarian pasta option

Find it online: https://smartmealsguide.com/creamy-tomato-garlic-pasta/