Description
Ina Garten Midnight Pasta is a simple and comforting pasta dish combining smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and natural flavors for a rich yet balanced meal. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for late-night cravings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 150g turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 250g short pasta like penne or rigatoni
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 100g (plant-based) cheese, shredded or sliced
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and dice the onion. Slice the cherry tomatoes in halves or quarters to help release their juices during cooking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
- Sauté the Bacon and Aromatics: Heat olive oil (natural) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey bacon pieces and cook until crispy and browned. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and translucent.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), vegetable broth, cherry tomatoes, and unsweetened almond milk. Allow the mixture to simmer until the tomatoes soften and the flavors meld. Mix in the natural gelling agent to create a silky texture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it without losing flavor. Stir in the (plant-based) cheese until melted and smooth.
- Finish and Serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic, tomatoes, and basil for best flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture.
- Adjust sauce thickness using reserved pasta water.
- Ensure turkey bacon is crispy for texture contrast.
- Choose a (plant-based) cheese that melts well for a creamy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Ina Garten, Midnight Pasta, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, easy pasta recipe, late night meal, quick dinner
