Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with plant-based Parmesan cheese, smoked turkey bacon, and a luscious garlic sauce. This rich, comforting dish is ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for a satisfying dinner with a savory, smoky crunch and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Protein
- 8 oz dried pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
- 3/4 cup plant-based Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional plant-based Parmesan cheese for dusting
Instructions
- 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 and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy and golden. Remove and place on paper towels to drain, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté the garlic: Add minced garlic to the warm pan with turkey bacon fat and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Create the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to low, stir in plant-based butter, then slowly pour in milk while stirring constantly. Mix in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and natural gelling agent. Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth.
- Add plant-based Parmesan cheese and seasoning: Gradually add the plant-based Parmesan cheese to the sauce, allowing it to melt completely. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and dust with additional plant-based Parmesan cheese before serving immediately.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente for best texture.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Simmer sauce gently on low heat to prevent clumping and ensure smooth melting of cheese.
- Use fresh minced garlic to enhance aroma and flavor.
- Season gradually, tasting as you go for perfect balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Creamy garlic Parmesan pasta, plant-based pasta sauce, smoked turkey bacon pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, dairy-free Parmesan