Description
Warm up with a comforting Pasta e Piselli recipe featuring tender peas, smoked turkey bacon, and rich flavors made with plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent. This classic Italian dish beautifully balances creamy textures and vibrant green colors, making it a delicious and cozy meal perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Meat & Cheese
- 100g smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
Pasta & Broth
- 1 cup short pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni) – use gluten-free if desired
- 3 cups vegetable broth (natural)
Condiments & Additions
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparing the Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant to form a flavorful foundation.
- Cooking the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Add diced smoked turkey bacon to the skillet and cook until crispy and aromatic, infusing smoky savory notes into the dish.
- Adding Peas and Broth: Stir in fresh or frozen peas along with vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, allowing flavors to meld and peas to soften.
- Cooking the Pasta: Add the short pasta directly into the broth with peas. Stir frequently and cook until pasta is al dente and the liquid reduces to a creamy consistency.
- Finishing with Cheese and Natural Gelling Agent: Reduce heat to low, then sprinkle in plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent. Stir until the cheese melts smoothly and the sauce thickens to creamy perfection.
- Seasoning and Serving: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper. Finish with chopped fresh herbs. Serve hot for a comforting meal experience.
Notes
- Use fresh peas when possible for sweeter flavor and brighter color.
- Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushy texture.
- Toast smoked turkey bacon well to deepen smoky flavor.
- Stir frequently to prevent pasta sticking and to naturally create creamy sauce.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve aroma and vibrant color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Pasta e Piselli, Italian comfort food, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, peas pasta, creamy pasta dish, gluten-free pasta recipe
