Creamy Basil Tofu Pasta Sauce
This delectable Creamy Basil Tofu Pasta Sauce is a wholesome and flavorful addition to your pasta dishes. Rich in protein and bursting with the freshness of basil, it's not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to enjoy plant-based cooking. As you cook your pasta, you can whip up this creamy sauce using just a blender. Adapted from John Robbins's 'May All Be Fed', this recipe proves that healthy eating doesn't have to compromise on taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it's versatile enough to pair with any pasta type, and the nutritional yeast adds a delightful cheesy flavor without any dairy.
2
Servings
240
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Firm tofu
1/2 lb (pressed and cubed)
Vegetable stock or water
3/4 cup (no preparation needed)
Canola oil or safflower oil
1/4 cup (no preparation needed)
Tamari
2 tablespoons (no preparation needed)
Nutritional yeast flakes
2 tablespoons (no preparation needed)
Fresh basil
2 tablespoons (chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried))
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (no preparation needed)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Garlic
1 clove (peeled)
Instructions
1
Begin by pressing the firm tofu to remove excess moisture and then cut it into cubes.
2
In a blender or food processor, combine the cubed tofu, vegetable stock (or water), canola (or safflower) oil, tamari, nutritional yeast, chopped basil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and the peeled garlic clove.
3
Blend the ingredients on high speed until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. If the sauce is too thick, you can add more vegetable stock or water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
4
Once your pasta is cooked to al dente, drain it and return it to the pot or transfer it to a serving bowl.
5
Pour the creamy tofu sauce over the pasta and toss well to combine. Serve immediately with additional fresh basil on top if desired.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
18g
Carbs
12g
Protein
2g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Basil Tofu Pasta Sauce?
It is a wholesome, plant-based pasta sauce made with a base of blended firm tofu, fresh basil, and savory seasonings like nutritional yeast and garlic.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan and plant-based as it uses tofu instead of dairy and contains no animal products.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include firm tofu, vegetable stock or water, oil, tamari, nutritional yeast, fresh basil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
How should I prepare the tofu for this sauce?
You should first press the firm tofu to remove excess moisture and then cut it into cubes before blending.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 tablespoons of fresh basil with 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, provided you use gluten-free tamari and serve it with gluten-free pasta, the sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
This sauce provides 12g of protein per serving, making it a high-protein plant-based option.
What provides the cheesy flavor in this sauce?
The nutritional yeast flakes add a delightful cheesy and savory flavor without the use of actual dairy.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe suggests using canola oil or safflower oil.
What do I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick after blending, you can add more vegetable stock or water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was adapted from John Robbins's book 'May All Be Fed'.
Can I store leftovers of this sauce?
Yes, you can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How do I reheat the sauce?
Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
What type of pasta goes best with this sauce?
This sauce is versatile and pairs well with any pasta type, including penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the recipe contain sugar?
The sauce contains a very low amount of sugar, approximately 1g per serving.
How much fiber does it provide?
It provides about 2g of fiber per serving.
Can I use silken tofu instead of firm tofu?
While you can, the texture will be much thinner. Firm tofu is recommended for a rich and creamy consistency.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is considered a quick recipe because the sauce can be prepared in a blender while the pasta is boiling.
What can I substitute for tamari?
You can use soy sauce as a substitute, though it may not be gluten-free.
Do I need a food processor?
Either a blender or a food processor will work to achieve the smooth consistency required for the sauce.
Can I add more garlic?
Yes, if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add an additional clove to the blender.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, its creamy texture and mild, cheesy flavor generally appeal to children.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Freezing is possible, but because it is tofu-based, the texture may change slightly upon thawing; it's best enjoyed fresh.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice?
The lemon juice provides acidity which balances the richness of the tofu and oil.
Can I use water instead of vegetable stock?
Yes, water is a perfectly fine substitute for vegetable stock, though stock adds a bit more depth of flavor.
How should I serve the finished dish?
Serve immediately after tossing the sauce with hot pasta, and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.