Description
Ina Garten Midnight Pasta is a quick and satisfying dinner that combines the smoky richness of smoked turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and fresh herbs for a comforting and flavorful pasta dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining with versatile ingredients and easy customization options.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (creamy, cashew-based or almond-based)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Fresh Herbs
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the shape. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Crisp the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté gently until softened and aromatic, approximately 3 to 4 minutes, building flavor for the sauce base.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Add a small amount of the reserved pasta water and the natural gelling agent. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
- Combine and Toss: Add the cooked pasta and crispy smoked turkey bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to taste.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil and parsley. Their brightness will balance the rich sauce, adding fresh flavor to every bite.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente for the best texture.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce.
- Keep heat low when mixing in plant-based cheese to prevent separation.
- Add fresh herbs after removing from heat to preserve their color and flavor.
- Ensure turkey bacon is crisp for added texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Ina Garten, Midnight Pasta, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, quick dinner, creamy pasta, fresh herbs, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
