Description
Lemon Chickpea Pasta is a quick, vibrant, and nourishing dish that combines creamy, zesty flavors with the protein-rich goodness of chickpeas and smoky turkey bacon, all topped with melted plant-based cheese (plant-based). This refreshing twist on traditional pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes and customizable with your favorite veggies and spice levels.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g chickpea pasta
- 100g smoked turkey bacon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 100g plant-based cheese (plant-based)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the chickpea pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- Prepare the Turkey Bacon: While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove from the skillet and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- Bring It Together: Add the cooked pasta and turkey bacon back to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Add plant-based cheese (plant-based) and stir until melted and creamy, adding reserved pasta water if needed for a silkier consistency.
- Final Touches: Remove from heat and mix in freshly chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, zesty bliss.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor from zest and juice.
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky sauce consistency.
- Cook chickpea pasta to al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Lightly toast garlic to keep it fragrant and mildly flavored.
- Choose quality plant-based cheese (plant-based) for a smooth, indulgent texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: lemon pasta, chickpea pasta, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, quick dinner, gluten free, weeknight meal, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)