This tofu pasta sauce recipe is great for a high-protein and filling comfort meal. This pasta is simple to make and perfectly creamy. It is also plant-based and vegan.
If St Patrick's Day is just around the corner, this is a perfect green recipe. Especially if you have Irish Italian heritage like I do, the answer is obvious: it's pasta sauce. It is not just any pasta sauce but something quick and easy.
Make Creamy and Healthy PastaÂ
This creamy vegan pasta sauce is sweet, creamy, cheesy and fresh. Best of all, it only has four ingredients and four ingredients. It is also plant-based and vegan.Â
But wait, there's more. If you're not in the mood for pasta sauce, this recipe doubles as a dip. But no double dipping!Â
Different Types of Tofu
Tofu comes in several types, each suited for different recipes. Silken tofu is very soft and smooth, making it perfect for blending into sauces or desserts. It creates a creamy tofu pasta sauce that is rich and smooth.
Firm tofu and extra firm tofu have less water and a denser texture. This makes them great for stir-fries or grilling. If you're making a dish like pasta with tofu, choosing the right type of tofu is important for achieving the best texture and flavour. So use silken tofu.
Creamy Vegan Pasta Sauce Recipe
This creamy sauce is perfect for any pasta dish, combining simple and fresh ingredients for a tasty meal. Start by gathering your simple ingredients. One packet of silken tofu, 100 grams of vegan feta, one punnet of fresh basil, and either two teaspoons of garlic powder or one clove of fresh garlic. Add more garlic cloves if you like.
Blend all the ingredients in a food processor for 1-2 minutes or until you have a smooth sauce, creating a rich and creamy vegan pasta sauce. Cook on a stove to until it reaches a medium heat.
Quick and Easy Preparation
This vegan pasta recipe is designed to be quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal ready in no time. The entire process, from blending the sauce in a food processor to stirring it through your pasta of choice, takes about 20-30 minutes. It's an excellent option for those who want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
The ingredients in this vegan pasta recipe offer many health benefits. Silken tofu is full of protein and contains all essential amino acids, making it a great meat substitute. Vegan feta provides a tangy, cheesy flavour without the cholesterol found in dairy products.
Fresh basil not only adds a burst of flavour but is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Adding these ingredients to your diet can improve your health. This is especially true for those with a plant-based diet. This pasta is creamy without added oil.
Adding Extra Flavour
Enhance your creamy vegan pasta sauce with extra herbs and spices for a richer taste. A pinch of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper can elevate the flavour profile. Fresh herbs like parsley or ½ teaspoon of fresh lemon juice add a zest. For a bit of heat, add pepper flakes, fresh parsley or chilli flakes. These small adjustments can make a significant difference.
Easy to Modify Pasta RecipeÂ
One of the best features of this recipe is its flexibility. You can substitute the raw cashews with sunflower seeds or white bean puree to maintain the creamy texture. For those avoiding soy, use oat milk or almond milk instead of tofu. If you want a thinner sauce use a barista plant-based milk as it will cope better with heat. If you need to thicken the sauce use cornstarch or flour.
Adding pine nuts to the base and some nutritional yeast will make a vegan pesto-type sauce. Add tomato paste for a creamy tomato sauce. If you think this recipe will be too bland add seasonings and onion flakes. Red pepper flakes will lift the flavour of the meal.
Make a white sauce by taking out the basil and adding nutritional yeast. The yeast will give the vegan sauce a cheesy flavour. Top with vegan cheese or stir through vegan bacon.
The vegan pasta sauce can be easily changed to fit many diets and preferences. This ensures that everyone can enjoy this creamy pasta.
Perfect for All Ages
This creamy green basil and feta vegan pasta sauce is perfect for both kids and adults. It is a comfort food that is hard to resist. The flavours will likely please picky eaters, while the rich, creamy texture appeals to more mature palates. Boost the veggie content by mixing baby spinach through. Serve it with a fresh salad full of nutritious vegetables for a complete, balanced meal that the whole family will love.
Perfect for Entertaining
The creamy vegan pasta sauce is great for family meals as well as entertaining guests. Its rich and creamy texture, combined with the fresh flavour of basil and the tanginess of vegan feta, makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Serve it with a side of vegan garlic bread and a salad for a complete dinner menu. The versatility of the sauce also allows you to use it as a dip for an appetizer. Or as a topping for roasted vegetables, impressing your guests with its unique flavour.
Cooking and Serving Suggestions
Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Instead of regular pasta, I like to use high-protein wheat pasta. White pasta is what most of us reach for, but any pasta will work. If you are sensitive to wheat, use gluten-free pasta.
Whatever you use make sure it's cooked to you're liking before you drain the pasta water. The last thing you want to happen is to find out your base isn't cooked after you've put the cream sauce on top.Â
Bring a bring a large pot to a boil. Add the pasta and add a pinch of salt. Let the pasta boil until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Stir the creamy sauce through the freshly cooked pasta, or heat the sauce separately and then combine. For added nutrition and colour, include roasted vegetables like broccoli, edamame beans, or peas. Top with pine nuts and vegan parmesan for extra flavour.
Tips for Perfect Pasta
For the best results, always use high-quality ingredients. Olive oil and vegan butter can add depth of flavour to your pasta dishes. If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some pepper flakes or black pepper to taste.
To keep the sauce smooth and creamy, ensure you blend the tofu mixture thoroughly. The tofu makes the sauce creamy and thick. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach the desired consistency. Top with vegan parmesan cheese.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This sauce is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Kept separate from the pasta it will keep for up to a week. This allows you to save time and whip up a pasta dish anytime. This convenience makes it a great choice for busy people. They want to keep a healthy diet without spending much time in the kitchen.
Storage and Versatility
Make this recipe and then store it properly for meals throughout the week. This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, making it a great option for meal prep. You can also use this sauce as a dip; just be sure to avoid double-dipping to maintain freshness. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed with regular pasta or with gluten-free pasta. It is easily adaptable to various dietary preferences.
How to Reheat Tofu-Based Sauces
When you need to reheat a tofu-based sauce, it’s important to do so gently to maintain its creamy texture. Put the sauce back into the pan over low heat and stir frequently. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or plant-based milk to loosen it up. Reheating slowly ensures that the sauce remains nice and creamy. If you're not gentle, you run the risk of the sauce separating or becoming grainy.
Tofu Pasta Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
1 packet of silken tofu ( approximately 300 grams)
100 grams of vegan feta
1 punnet of fresh basil
2 tsp of powder or 1 clove of fresh garlic
No fetta, No Worries
If you don't have vegan fetta handy, you can get a similar flavour from:
2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of white miso paste
 Instructions
To make the sauce, remove the silk and tofu from the package and drain off the water.
Put the tofu in your blender and blend the other ingredients until smooth.
In a small pot on low heat, gently warm the sauce.
Stir sauce through so it coats the pasta and serve.
Serving suggestions for your creamy vegan pasta sauce
Cook your favourite pasta. Stir the sauce through freshly cooked pasta or heat the sauce and then put on the pasta. For more green add broccoli or edamame bean or peas. Top with pine nuts and/or vegan parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Click for vegan tofu butter chicken recipe.
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