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Creamy Plant-Based Mince & Basil Pesto Pasta

Creamy Plant-Based Mince & Basil Pesto Pasta

with Apple Salad & Parmesan
Recipe Development Team
Recipe Development TeamUpdated on September 16, 2025
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Calories
886 kcal
Protein
37g protein
Preparation Time
35 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Allergens:
  • Soy
  • Milk
  • Cashew
  • Gluten
  • Wheat
  • Wheat
  • Gluten
  • May contain traces of allergens
  • Soy
Produced in a facility that processes eggs, milk, fish, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts and wheat.
Serving amount

1 packet

Mixed Salad Leaves

200 g

Plant-Based Mince

(Contains: Soy; May be present: Wheat, Gluten.)

1 packet

Light Cooking Cream

(Contains: Milk;)

1 packet

Parmesan Cheese

(Contains: Milk;)

3

Garlic

1 sachet

Garlic & Herb Seasoning

1

Apple

1 packet

Basil Pesto

(Contains: Milk, Cashew;)

1

Leek

1 packet

Penne

(Contains: Gluten, Wheat; May be present: Soy.)

Not included in your delivery

1 drizzle

olive oil

g

butter

(Contains: Milk;)

Calories886 kcal
Energy (kJ)3710 kJ
Fat43.7 g
of which saturates17.3 g
Carbohydrate82.5 g
of which sugars13 g
Dietary Fibre14.1 g
Protein37 g
Sodium1190 mg
The average adult daily energy intake is 8700 kJ

Cooking Steps

1

• Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to the boil.
• Slice apple into wedges. Finely chop garlic. Thinly slice leek.

2

• Cook penne in the boiling water until 'al dente', 12 minutes.
• Reserve some pasta water (1/4 cup for 2 people / 1/2 cup for 4 people), then drain and return pasta to the saucepan. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and cover to keep warm.

TIP: 'Al dente' pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm in the centre.

3

• In a large frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook leek and diced bacon, breaking it up with a spoon, until golden, 4-5 minutes.
• Add garlic and the butter and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
• Stir in light cooking cream, garlic & herb seasoning and reserved pasta water. Season with pepper and cook until slightly reduced, 2-3 minutes.
~~~~~~~~~~ MODULAR STEP ~~~~~~~~~~
• In a large frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Cook plant-based mince, breaking up with a spoon, until just browned, 4-5 minutes.
• Add garlic and the butter and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
• Stir in light cooking cream, garlic & herb seasoning and reserved pasta water. Season with pepper and cook until slightly reduced, 2-3 minutes.

4

• Remove pan from heat, then stir through basil pesto and cooked pasta. Season to taste and set aside.

5

• In a large bowl, combine the vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil. Season, then add mixed salad leaves and apple. Toss to coat.

Little cooks: Take the lead by tossing the salad!

6

• Divide creamy bacon and pesto pasta between bowls.
• Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese.
• Serve with salad. Enjoy!

Little cooks: Kids can add the finishing touch by sprinkling the cheese on top.
~~~~~~~~~~ MODULAR STEP ~~~~~~~~~~
• Divide creamy plant-based mince and pesto pasta between bowls.
• Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese.
• Serve with salad. Enjoy!

Little cooks: Kids can add the finishing touch by sprinkling the cheese on top.

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