Description
Creamy Ditalini Pasta features tender ditalini pasta, smoky turkey bacon, and luscious plant-based cheese melded into a rich and velvety sauce. This comforting and indulgent dish is quick to prepare, versatile for any meal occasion, and includes a delightful plant-based creaminess perfect for diverse dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Proteins
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Sauce and Flavor Base
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (natural)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or basil), chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- Sauté the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil while keeping the flavorful drippings in the pan.
- Build the Flavor Base: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the vegetable broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural), stirring to incorporate the browned bits left by the bacon for maximum flavor.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the plant-based cream and plant-based cheese together with the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Add the natural gelling agent, whisking well to reach a silky, thick consistency. Use reserved pasta water to adjust thickness as needed.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked ditalini pasta and turkey bacon to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Heat through gently for a minute or two, allowing flavors to meld perfectly before serving.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture when mixing with the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Keep heat low while making the sauce to ensure smooth texture without curdling.
- Adjust natural gelling agent gradually for preferred sauce thickness.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their bright flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Creamy Ditalini Pasta, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, plant-based cream, comfort food