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Tomato Basil Tofu Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

This Tomato Basil Tofu Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines the richness of silken tofu with fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a touch of white wine. It’s a dairy-free, protein-packed alternative to traditional creamy pasta sauces, perfect for a comforting vegan meal that’s easy to prepare and full of fresh, vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound pasta of choice

Sauce

  • 14 ounces silken tofu
  • 20 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes (by weight)
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 white or yellow onion, diced
  • 3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 6 large cloves)
  • ½ cup white wine (dry, e.g., Pinot Grigio)
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it begins to brown. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  3. Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the pan is nearly dry.
  4. Cook Tomatoes: Add the whole cherry or grape tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, then cover the skillet to steam the tomatoes until they soften and develop a wrinkly, blistered skin, about 5 to 10 more minutes.
  5. Blend the Sauce: Carefully transfer the cooked tomatoes, onion, and garlic mixture to a blender. Add the silken tofu, remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil. Start blending at the lowest setting with the blender lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Gradually increase the speed and blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Combine Sauce and Pasta: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet or a large pan. Pour in about ¾ of the blended sauce and stir to thoroughly combine. Warm the pasta with the sauce over low heat for a minute or so to allow flavors to meld together. Reserve some sauce to serve on the side or save for leftovers, especially if using gluten-free pasta, as it tends to absorb sauce.
  7. Serve: Garnish with additional fresh basil and serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your creamy, tomato basil tofu pasta!

Notes

  • You can use any type of pasta, including gluten-free varieties like brown rice pasta.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes according to your preference.
  • Allowing the tomatoes to blister adds a deeper roasted flavor to the sauce.
  • When blending hot ingredients, start on the lowest blender setting with the lid slightly open to safely release steam.
  • Reserve some sauce if you prefer a saucier pasta or want to add more when reheating leftovers.
  • Using silken tofu helps achieve a creamy texture without dairy.

Keywords: Tomato Basil Tofu Pasta, vegan pasta, creamy tofu pasta sauce, dairy-free pasta, tomato pasta sauce, easy vegan dinner

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/tomato-basil-tofu-pasta-recipe/