Description
Mouthwatering Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta combines smoky turkey bacon, luscious plant-based cheese, and a rich natural tomato garlic sauce to deliver a comforting yet sophisticated meal. With bold, balanced flavors and a creamy texture, this easy and quick pasta dish is perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz crushed ripe tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent (such as agar)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Herbs & Seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Pasta
- 12 oz medium-cut pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Instructions
- Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the turkey bacon until crispy and fragrant. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and build the sauce base: Using the same pan, add olive oil and toss in minced garlic. Sauté briefly until golden and fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine.
- Add seasoning and natural gelling agent: Mix in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the natural gelling agent while stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens.
- Cook the pasta to perfection: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water.
- Combine pasta, sauce, and shredded cheese: Return the pan with the tomato sauce to gentle heat. Add the cooked smoked turkey bacon back in. Toss in the cooked pasta and gradually stir in shredded plant-based cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water slowly until the desired creamy consistency is reached.
- Finish with fresh basil and serve: Turn off the heat and add torn fresh basil leaves. Gently toss everything together and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use good quality fresh or canned crushed tomatoes for better sauce depth.
- Do not overcook garlic; sauté only until lightly golden to avoid bitterness.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce texture and enhance sauce adhesion to pasta.
- Let the sauce simmer slowly to meld flavors and thicken naturally.
- Add plant-based cheese gradually for a smooth, creamy melt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: creamy tomato garlic pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, smoked turkey bacon pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, comfort food