This creamy tofu pasta is a quick and tasty dinner option! It combines soft tofu with flavorful garlic and fresh herbs, all mixed with your favorite pasta. Yum!
Honestly, who knew tofu could taste so good? I love how easy it is to prepare—just blend, mix, and serve! Perfect for those nights when you want something tasty without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: While penne is great for this dish, any pasta works well, like fusilli or spaghetti. Just use what you have on hand!
Tofu: Firm tofu gives the best texture, but extra-firm will work too. If you’re allergic to soy, try using tempeh or chickpeas instead. Both add protein and a nice bite!
Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened almond or soy milk keeps it creamy without adding flavor. If you want a nut-free option, coconut milk is also tasty!
Cashews: Soaking cashews helps them become creamy in the blender. If you’re short on time, blended silken tofu is a fast alternative. It blends very smoothly!
Nutritional Yeast: This gives the dish a cheesy flavor. If you don’t have it, try grated vegan cheese or leave it out for a lighter dish.
How Do I Make the Perfect Creamy Tofu Sauce?
Creating a smooth and creamy sauce is key to this recipe. It starts with blending soaked cashews, but you can use silken tofu instead for a quicker option. Here’s the scoop:
- Soak raw cashews for at least 30 mins in warm water; this softens them for easier blending.
- In your blender, combine soaked cashews (or silken tofu), plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and herbs.
- Blend until the mix is completely smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach desired creaminess.
- Don’t forget to taste! Adjust the salt and pepper to fit your preference.
This sauce is super versatile too; feel free to add other spices or nutritional boosts like spinach! It’s an easy way to elevate your meals.
How to Make Creamy Tofu Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pasta: 8 oz penne pasta
- Tofu: 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- For Cooking Tofu:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Veggies:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (soy or almond)
- 1/3 cup raw cashews, soaked for 30 mins (or blended silken tofu)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
- Vegan parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy tofu pasta recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. So, you can have a delightful dinner ready in about 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Preparing the Tofu:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed tofu to the skillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fry the tofu for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden and crisp on all sides. Once it’s ready, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sautéing the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the vegan butter or olive oil, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and broccoli florets. Cook the veggies for about 5 minutes until they are nice and tender.
4. Preparing the Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time to make the creamy sauce! In a blender, combine the soaked cashews (after draining), plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and dried Italian herbs. Blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed!
5. Combining Everything:
Pour the creamy sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and give it a good stir. Heat it for 2-3 minutes until it’s warmed through and has thickened just a bit. Then, add the cooked pasta and crispy tofu cubes to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to make sure the pasta is coated evenly with that delicious creamy sauce.
6. Serving:
Your creamy tofu pasta is now ready! Garnish it with fresh parsley or basil on top. If you want, you can also sprinkle some vegan parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy your quick and easy dinner!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses penne, any pasta will work great, such as fusilli, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of plant-based milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Dish Nut-Free?
Yes! If you want to avoid nuts, simply use blended silken tofu instead of cashews in the sauce. It will still give you the creaminess you crave without any nuts!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite veggies! Spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes make great additions. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the sauce.
