Description
Pasta e Piselli is a quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish combining tender peas, smoky plant-based bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese for a vibrant and hearty meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers fresh flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. Adaptable and nutritious, it caters to various dietary needs while showcasing a delicious balance of sweetness, smokiness, and creaminess.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 4 oz plant-based smoky bacon, chopped
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (gluten-free ditalini, elbow macaroni, or preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté gently until translucent. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, taking care not to burn it to maintain a delicate aroma.
- Cook the Plant-Based Smoky Bacon: Add the chopped plant-based smoky bacon and cook until it turns nicely browned and releases its smoky scent. This infuses the oil and onions, creating layers of flavor for the dish.
- Combine Peas and Broth: Pour in the peas and stir to combine. Add the vegetable or chicken broth, letting everything simmer gently until the peas are tender but still vibrant, approximately 5 minutes. This melds the flavors beautifully.
- Add Pasta and Simmer: Stir in your choice of small pasta shapes, ensuring they are submerged in the broth. Simmer gently until the pasta reaches al dente, cooking in the broth so the starch thickens the mixture naturally.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Turn off the heat and fold in the plant-based cheese, allowing it to melt slowly into the creamy broth. Season with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all elements thoroughly.
Notes
- Use fresh peas if possible for brighter flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the pasta; keep it slightly firm for best texture contrast.
- Simmer gently and slowly to allow flavors to blend without evaporating.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust consistency if the dish becomes too thick.
- Add fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme just before serving to preserve aroma and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Pasta e Piselli, peas pasta, plant-based bacon pasta, quick Italian meal, gluten-free pasta dish, comfortable vegan pasta
