Description
This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner featuring smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and a splash of tangy apple cider vinegar. Combining sweet-savory sun-dried tomatoes with hearty textures and a fresh zing, it is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want an impressive meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in olive oil)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced thin
- 12 oz pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (sea salt) and cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop sun-dried tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slice smoked turkey bacon into thin strips. Mince garlic and shallot finely. Roughly chop fresh basil to sprinkle later.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots and sauté until soft and fragrant. Add smoked turkey bacon and cook for a few minutes until crisp and smoky.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Sauce Ingredients: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Sprinkle plant-based cheese on top and gently stir it into a creamy coating, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and fold in fresh basil. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for richer flavor and softer texture.
- Reserve pasta water to naturally thicken the sauce without adding extra fat.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain ideal texture when mixed with sauce.
- Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright flavor and vibrant color.
- Use apple cider vinegar sparingly to brighten the dish without overpowering flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: sun-dried tomato pasta, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar
