Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, draped in a rich, velvety tomato sauce that's both creamy and packed with protein - without the heavy dairy! This Creamy Tomato Tofu Pasta is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, offering a delicious plant-based alternative that will make even the most dedicated meat-lovers ask for seconds. Prepare to be amazed by how incredibly satisfying and flavorful a simple pasta dish can be!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 block firm tofu, crumbled
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, press tofu to remove excess moisture. Crumble the tofu into small, bite-sized pieces using your hands or a fork.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add crumbled tofu to the tomato sauce and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato-tofu sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.
- Toss the pasta thoroughly to ensure even coating with the sauce and tofu.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Optional: sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Press your tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture - this helps it absorb more flavor and achieve a better texture.
- For extra creaminess, consider blending a portion of the tofu with some pasta water to create a silkier sauce.
- Use fresh garlic if possible, as it provides a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.
- Don't overcook the tofu; you want it to remain slightly firm and absorb the tomato sauce's flavors.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- Save some pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency!
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
