Description
Pasta e Piselli is a cozy and flavorful Italian dish featuring fresh peas, smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese (plant-based). This easy-to-make pasta recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and offers a comforting, nutritious, and adaptable meal perfect for quick weeknights or satisfying lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 2 cups short pasta (ditalini or small shells)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded or grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (for spicy kick)
- Mushrooms or crispy tofu (for vegetarian version)
- Spicy plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast (for cheese variation)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (for herbal twist)
- Pearl barley or couscous (as grain alternative instead of pasta)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil (natural) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Add diced smoked turkey bacon and cook until slightly crispy, allowing the smoky aroma to develop.
- Add Peas and Broth: Stir in fresh peas, then pour in vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Simmer gently, letting the flavors meld and the peas soften while remaining vibrant in color.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the short pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Combine and Creamify: Mix the drained pasta into the skillet with the pea and turkey bacon mixture. Stir in plant-based cheese (plant-based) and add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a smooth, creamy sauce without heaviness.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Toss everything together well, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired, and serve immediately while hot and comforting.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen peas for best flavor and texture; avoid canned peas.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and maintain creaminess.
- Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is recommended.
- Select a high-quality melting plant-based cheese (plant-based) to enhance creaminess and flavor.
- Adjust the quantity of smoked turkey bacon to suit your preferred smoky depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Pasta e Piselli, Italian pasta, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, fresh peas, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian-friendly
