Plant-Based Protein Rigatoni Alla Rossa

• Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large, preferably nonstick, pan over mediumhigh heat. Add bell pepper and season with salt and pepper. Cook until lightly browned and slightly softened, 3-4 minutes. Add scallion whites and cook until softened, 1-2 minutes. Remove veggies from pan. • Return pan over medium-high heat with another large drizzle of olive oil; add plant-based protein*. Using a spatula, press into an even layer. Cook, without stirring, until browned on bottom, 3-4 minutes. Break up protein into pieces and continue cooking until browned all over and warmed through, 3-4 minutes more. Return veggies to pan and stir to combine.

• Once water is boiling, add rigatoni to pot. Cook until al dente, 10-12 minutes. • Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain.

• While pasta cooks, stir Italian Seasoning, tomato paste, and 1 tsp sugar (2 tsp for 4 servings) into pan with veggie mixture until combined. • Stir in cream cheese and ¾ cup plain water (1¼ cups for 4). Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until sauce is combined and thickened, 1-2 minutes. • Reduce heat to low and stir in half the Parmesan (save the rest for serving). Season with salt and pepper.

• Add drained rigatoni and 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings) to pan with sauce; stir to coat. If needed, stir in reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time until pasta is coated in a creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper.