Description
Savory Vegan Creamy Cajun Pasta with Crispy Breaded Tofu is a flavor-packed and satisfying dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz farfalle
- 1 tsp oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 tsp flour
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3 tsp cajun spice blend
- 2–3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp miso
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 9 oz firm or extra firm tofu
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp onion flakes
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot, add 8 oz of farfalle, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a shallow bowl, mix 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp lime juice. Coat each of the sliced 9 oz firm tofu in this marinade and let it rest for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
- In another shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 1/2 tsp onion flakes. Take the marinated tofu slices and coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. Pan-fry in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown, or bake at 400°F (205°C) for 25 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tsp oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced cloves of garlic and sauté for just a few seconds, then add 1/2 cup chopped onion. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms and 1/2 red bell pepper. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cook until golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a blender, combine 1 cup non-dairy milk, 1 tsp flour, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 3 tsp cajun spice blend, 2-3 tbsp nutritional yeast (if using), 1 tsp miso, and 1/2 tsp salt. Blend until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle boil while stirring. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Gently fold in the cooked farfalle to the Cajun sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated. Turn off the heat, cover the skillet, and allow it to sit for 2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Plate the pasta and top with crispy breaded tofu. Optional garnishes include chopped tomatoes, pepper flakes, and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- For extra creaminess, add more nutritional yeast.
- Substitute pasta shape if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg