Tofu Pasta
This Tofu Pasta is creamy, comforting, and packed with plant-based protein. Made with tofu, tomato paste, garlic, onion, and nutritional yeast, it's an easy weeknight dinner that comes together in about 20 minutes.
Servings: 4
Calories: 501kcal
Ingredients
- 12 ounces short pasta I used rigatoni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (14-ounce) block firm tofu drained
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil optional but highly recommended, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Before draining, reserve all of the pasta water.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring often.
- Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender. Add the tofu, nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, and ¾ cup (180 ml) of the reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Return the sauce to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. If needed, add more pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. I usually add about ¼ cup (60 ml) more.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until fully coated. If the sauce becomes too thick, add more pasta water, a little at a time, until it is smooth and silky.
- Serve immediately topped with fresh basil and vegan Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. The sauce may thicken slightly after thawing.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 501kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 724mg | Potassium: 467mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 288IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 161mg | Iron: 3mg
