Description
Pasta Primavera is a vibrant, fresh, and delicious dish combining seasonal vegetables, smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese for a satisfying, colorful, and nutritious meal. This easy-to-make recipe offers a burst of freshness, balanced nutrition, and customizable options perfect for a light yet hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- Any short pasta like penne or farfalle (quantity per preference, approx. 12 oz)
Protein
- Smoked turkey bacon (6-8 slices)
Vegetables
- Bell peppers, diced (1 cup)
- Zucchini, sliced (1 cup)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup)
- Green beans, trimmed (1 cup)
- Onion, diced (1 medium)
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves)
Other Ingredients
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Plant-based cheese, grated (1/2 cup)
- Apple cider vinegar (natural) (1 tablespoon)
- Fresh basil, chopped (1/4 cup)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1/4 cup)
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) (1 tablespoon)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Natural gelling agent (1/2 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil, then sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, and cherry tomatoes, cooking until the vegetables are just tender but still vibrant and crunchy.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked smoked turkey bacon to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained pasta and gently toss to combine. Pour in the apple cider vinegar (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) for brightness and depth. Add reserved pasta water and a small amount of natural gelling agent as needed to create a silky, light sauce that coats the pasta.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated plant-based cheese along with the chopped fresh basil and parsley. Toss gently until the cheese melts and the herbs release their aroma.
Notes
- Use seasonal vegetables for the freshest flavors.
- Do not overcook pasta; keep it al dente for best texture.
- Reserve pasta water to help create a cohesive sauce.
- Layer flavors by cooking aromatics first and adding sauces gradually.
- Gently fold in cheese off the heat to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Pasta Primavera, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, seasonal vegetables, easy dinner, gluten free, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce