Description
Pasta e Piselli is a cozy and comforting Italian-inspired dish combining tender small pasta shapes with sweet fresh peas and smoky turkey bacon, finished with creamy plant-based cheese and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this vibrant and flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a satisfying blend of textures and colors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped, for garnish
Proteins and Dairy
- 100 grams smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, grated (plant-based)
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 cup grape juice
Other
- Natural gelling agent (as needed, to thicken sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing gently until softened and fragrant without browning.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Add diced smoked turkey bacon to the skillet and cook until golden and slightly crisp, letting its smoky aroma infuse the dish.
- Add Peas and Broth: Stir in fresh or frozen peas, then pour in vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and grape juice. Let the mixture simmer gently to combine flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Add small pasta directly into the simmering broth and peas. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, cooking until pasta is tender and has absorbed flavors.
- Finish with Plant-Based Cheese and Herbs: When pasta is tender and sauce has thickened slightly with the natural gelling agent, stir in grated plant-based cheese and fresh parsley or basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove from heat.
Notes
- Choose small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni for best texture.
- Add peas towards the end to keep their vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Simmer gently to allow flavors to meld without drying out the dish.
- Adjust the amount of vegetable broth to control sauce creaminess and thickness.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to maximize aroma and freshness.
- Substitute smoked turkey bacon with grilled chicken or plant-based sausage (natural) for variation.
- Incorporate diced carrots or zucchini for extra vegetable texture.
- Add a pinch of red chili flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy touch.
- Use sharp plant-based parmesan-style cheese for a stronger cheesy flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Pasta e Piselli, peas and pasta, Italian pasta dish, quick pasta recipe, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon alternative, comfort food
