TOFU PESTO PASTA
Tofu Pesto Pasta offers a nourishing spin on traditional pesto with a creamy twist. Using silken tofu as the base, this vegan recipe skips the dairy while keeping all the richness you crave in a pesto sauce. Blended with fresh basil, lemon juice, nutritional yeast and olive oil, the sauce is simple yet intensely flavourful. Tossed with warm pasta, it becomes a vibrant meal packed with plant-based protein and healthy fats. Ideal for solo dining, this one-serve dish is ready in under 15 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a light and energising lunch. It’s wholesome, comforting and wonderfully cream without the guilt.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Blender Recipes, Boil, Sauté
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Picnic, Valentine’s Day
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Low Fat, Quick & Easy, Healthy, High Fibre
DISH TYPE
Pasta
INGREDIENTS
There re the following ingredients for Tofu Pesto Pasta:
- 1 cup cooked pasta
- ¼ cup silken tofu
- 1 tbsp fresh basil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 326.8 kcal
- Fat: 8.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
- Carbohydrate: 47.1 g
- Sugar: 1.6 g
- Sodium: 512.9 mg
- Fiber: 4.5 g
- Protein: 16.6 g
- Calcium: 141.8 mg
- Iron: 2.1 mg
- Potassium: 168 mg
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Tofu Pesto Pasta:
- Cook The Pasta: Prepare your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Blend The Sauce: In a blender or small food processor, combine silken tofu, fresh basil, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, olive oil and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- Warm The Sauce: Pour the blended tofu pesto into a saucepan and heat gently over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes and stir it occasionally.
- Combine With Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly with the sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra basil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if desired.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Tofu Pesto Pasta:
- Use Soft Silken Tofu: It blends more easily into a creamy and lump-free sauce.
- Fresh Is Best: Always opt for fresh basil for authentic pesto flavour.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of pasta water.
VARIATIONS
- Add Greens: Mix in baby spinach or peas for extra colour and nutrients.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or black pepper for heat.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary needs.
- Nutty Enhancement: Include a tsp of ground almonds or sunflower seeds for extra texture.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze the tofu pesto sauce separately in a small container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and combine with fresh pasta before serving. Use within 1 month.