Creamy Basil and Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Penne
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Creamy Basil and Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Penne. This delightful dish combines hearty whole wheat pasta with a luscious sauce made from firm silken tofu, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil, perfectly complemented by the tangy essence of sun-dried tomatoes. Adding crunchy broccoli not only boosts the nutrition but also adds a beautiful color contrast. This dish is not only healthy and satisfying but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.
N/A
Servings
245
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat pasta
8 ounces (dry)
sun-dried tomatoes
8 (chopped)
firm silken tofu
300 g (drained)
garlic cloves
3 (peeled)
fresh basil
1/4 cup (tightly packed, chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
broccoli
2 cups (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the creamy sauce by combining the sun-dried tomatoes, firm silken tofu, garlic cloves, fresh basil, and salt in a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is ultrasmooth and creamy. If desired, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your preferred consistency.
3
Set the sauce aside momentarily.
4
When the pasta is nearly finished cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant.
5
Drain the pasta and broccoli, returning them to the pot. Pour in the creamy sauce and toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6
Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if desired.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
33.5g
Carbs
11g
Protein
6g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein source in this vegan penne recipe?
The main protein source is firm silken tofu, which also provides the creamy texture for the sauce.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
There are 245 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
Whole wheat penne pasta is recommended for its nutritional benefits and hearty texture.
How much protein does this dish provide per serving?
Each serving contains 11g of protein.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes 2 cups of broccoli florets and 1/4 cup of fresh basil.
How do I make the sauce creamy without dairy?
The creaminess comes from blending firm silken tofu with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
How many grams of fat are in this meal?
There are 9g of fat per serving.
Is this a high-fiber recipe?
Yes, it provides 6g of fiber per serving, thanks to the whole wheat pasta and broccoli.
How do I prepare the broccoli for this dish?
The broccoli should be cut into bite-sized pieces and boiled with the pasta for the last 3 minutes of cooking.
Should I save the pasta water?
Yes, you should reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water to help adjust the sauce's consistency.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this sauce?
The recipe uses 8 chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 peeled garlic cloves.
Can I add nutritional yeast to this recipe?
Yes, nutritional yeast can be sprinkled on top as a garnish for extra flavor.
What equipment is needed to make the sauce?
A food processor or high-speed blender is required to blend the sauce until ultrasmooth.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 33.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any salt added to this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust it to taste.
How much dry pasta do I need?
You will need 8 ounces of dry whole wheat pasta.
How do I prepare the fresh basil?
The basil should be tightly packed and then chopped before blending into the sauce.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, nutrient-dense meal featuring whole grains and vegetables.
Can I use a different type of tofu?
The recipe specifies firm silken tofu for the best creamy consistency; other types may change the texture.
How long does it take to boil the broccoli?
The broccoli takes about 3 minutes when added to the boiling pasta water.
Does this dish contain cholesterol?
No, as a vegan dish, it contains 0mg of cholesterol.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 7 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve immediately after tossing the pasta and broccoli with the sauce, optionally garnished with more basil.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no sugar listed in the ingredients.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat pasta with your favorite gluten-free penne.
Is this dish suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be quick to prepare and satisfying.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The finished sauce is described as luscious, ultrasmooth, and creamy.