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Ready in 30 minutes, this easy Tofu Tomato Pasta is a simple, quick, and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion that calls for something nourishing yet straightforward.
Make a creamy sauce with tofu, then cook all the ingredients together in a pot or skillet. There you go—a wholesome and delicious meal.
I love this type of menu for dinner during our busy weekdays! It is quick to cook, healthy, and satisfying. You can also use some veggie leftovers in the fridge, so feel free to add your twist to this recipe.
This delightful pasta dish is not just delicious but also a health-conscious choice. It’s free from common allergens, including dairy and nuts, and can be gluten-free if you opt for gluten-free pasta. It’s perfect for those seeking a delicious, worry-free meal. The creamy tofu sauce can be replaced with coconut milk or cashew cream for those with soy allergies.
Now it’s your time to try. Let’s get cooking and bring a touch of homemade delight to your table!
HOW TO PREPARE THIS EASY TOFU TOMATO PASTA
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
This recipe is a quick and wholesome vegan Tofu Tomato Pasta. It’s packed with fresh veggies and a silky tofu-based sauce and is ready in about 30 minutes.
It’s super easy to prepare. The ingredients are easily available at every grocery store.
To prepare this recipe:
- Start by blending silken tofu with nutritional yeast and garlic powder for a creamy sauce.
- Then, cook pasta with sautéed vegetables, vegetable broth, and marinara sauce.
- Combine all the ingredients with the tofu sauce and wilted baby spinach for a rich and nutritious vegan meal.
And that’s a high-level summary; now, let’s explore kitchen tools, the required ingredients, and the steps with helpful pictures if needed.
USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Here’s a list of essential kitchen tools needed to prepare the recipe:
- Blender or Food Processor: For a smooth and creamy tofu sauce. I love my bullet blender for this type of sauce.
- Large Pan/skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and simmering the pasta.
- Wooden Spoon: To stir the food.
Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this delicious pasta:
Creamy Tofu sauce:
- Silken Tofu: Used for the creamy sauce base, offering a smooth texture and a high protein content without dairy.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami flavor to the sauce, enriching it with B vitamins and making it more savory.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a consistent, mild garlic flavor throughout the sauce, enhancing its overall taste profile.
Tomato pasta:
- Onion & Garlic: The foundation of any great sauce, adding depth, sweetness, and aroma as they’re sautéed.
- Red Bell Pepper: Introduces a slight sweetness and crunch, adding nutritional value and vibrant color to the dish.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with juiciness and flavor, contributing to the freshness and slight acidity of the pasta.
- Oil-free Marinara Sauce: This sauce serves as the tomato base for the pasta, adding richness and depth without adding fats.
- Vegetable Broth: Used to cook the pasta within the sauce, infusing it with flavor and ensuring the dish is moist and delicious. I love using an organic, low-sodium one.
- Whole Wheat/Gluten-Free Pasta: This pasta acts as the hearty base of the dish, chosen to accommodate dietary preferences while providing substance. You can choose any pasta of your preference.
- Dried Basil & Oregano: These herbs add classic Italian flavors that complement the tomato sauce beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, they enhance and balance all the flavors in the dish.
- Baby Spinach: Adds a pop of color, a wealth of nutrients, and a tender texture when wilted into the pasta.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): Offers a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish, brightening the flavors right before serving.
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese (optional): Provides a salty, cheesy finish that complements the pasta’s creamy texture and rich flavors.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this Creamy Tofu Tomato Pasta, follow these steps:
Blend the Creamy Tofu Sauce: Combine silken tofu, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder in a blender until smooth.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large pan, sauté onions and garlic until translucent, then add red bell pepper and cherry tomatoes, cooking until softened.
Cook Pasta with Sauce: Stir in dry pasta, marinara sauce, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until pasta is nearly al dente.
Combine with Tofu Sauce: Reduce heat, mix in the creamy tofu sauce with the pasta, and season with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add Baby Spinach: Turn off the heat and fold in baby spinach until wilted.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and vegan parmesan cheese, then enjoy!
WHAT WILL YOU LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE?
Well, you will find that it is:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, protein, and fiber, this meal feels as good as it tastes.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite veggies or pasta.
- Allergen-Friendly: Free from common allergens like dairy, nuts, and optionally gluten, making it an excellent choice for families with various dietary needs.
Let’s prepare this Tofu Tomato Pasta!
WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO!
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PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
EASY TOFU TOMATO PASTA RECIPE (VEGAN, WFPB)
Ingredients
Creamy Tofu sauce:
- 12 oz silken tofu (340g)
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast (20 g)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Tomato pasta:
- 1 onion (medium, finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups oil-free marinara sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (or gluten-free pasta of choice. 227 g)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish optional)
- Vegan Parmesan cheese (for garnish optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Tofu Sauce: Blend the silken tofu in a blender or food processor until smooth. Then, add nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and optionally a pinch of salt, and pepper. Blend again until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat water over medium heat in a large pan. Sauté the onion and garlic with a pinch of salt for about 2-3 minutes until translucent. Then add the red bell pepper and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the dry pasta and the marinara sauce. Pour in the vegetable broth, add salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is almost al dente*. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially at the end of the cooking time.
- Combine with Creamy Tofu Sauce: Reduce the heat, and pour the creamy tofu sauce over the pasta. Gently mix to combine everything well. Add the dried basil and oregano. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low heat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate Baby Spinach: Turn the heat off and add the baby spinach to the pan, gently folding it into the mixture. The pasta is ready to be served when the spinach is wilted and vibrant green.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and vegan parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your quick, easy, and wholesome plant-based.
Notes
- * To ensure the pasta is cooked correctly, please check for doneness by referring to the minimum cook time mentioned in the package instructions. The time could vary depending on the type of pasta you are using.
- While whole wheat and gluten-free pasta are great options for this recipe, feel free to explore other types, such as lentils, chickpeas, cauliflower, or quinoa pasta, for extra protein and fiber. Each type will bring a unique texture and flavor to your dish.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. The pasta may absorb more sauce over time, so adding a little vegetable broth when reheating can help revive the creamy texture.
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when sautéing the vegetables. This way, you can add a pleasant warmth to the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.
- The creamy tofu sauce can be replaced with coconut milk or cashew cream for those with soy allergies.
- Add more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency if the sauce is too thick.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS TOFU TOMATO PASTA
Here are some delightful ways to enjoy the Vegan Creamy Tofu Tomato Pasta:
- As a Standalone Meal: Its richness and variety of flavors make it satisfying on its own.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to add freshness and balance.
- Garlic Bread Companion: Serve with garlic bread to dip into the sauce and add a crunchy texture.
- Customize with Toppings: Sprinkle with red chili flakes, nutritional yeast, or additional vegan Parmesan for extra flavor layers.
- Bulk it Up: Add grilled vegetables, mushrooms, or legumes to introduce new textures and increase the protein content.
- Next-Day Lunch: Enjoy leftovers cold as a pasta salad or gently reheated for a quick and easy lunch option.
If you are hungry for more satisfying and delicious comfort food, visit the following recipes that will cozy up your days: Comfort food recipes.
DID YOU MAKE THIS EASY TOFU TOMATO PASTA?
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