Creamy Tomato Protein Pasta
This Creamy Tomato Protein Pasta is a creamy, protein-packed pasta dish with blended silken tofu instead of heavy cream. It's rich, flavorful, and comes together in about 30 minutes - perfect for weeknights when you want something that feels a little indulgent but is actually good for you!
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 15 oz block silken tofu drained
- ½ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste I added 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small shallot diced
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vodka optional*
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup parmesan swap for ¼ cup of nutritional yeast for a vegan version
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water to thin the sauce as needed.
- In a blender, combine the silken tofu and the milk. Blend until creamy, and no chunks remain.
- Meanwhile, start the sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat up the olive oil. Once hot, add in the shallot and cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 additional minutes. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 3 additional minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in the vodka, tofu cream mixture, and pepper flakes and mix to combine. Add in the parmesan and butter and stir until melted.
- Add in the cooked pasta and stir to coat in the sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
Storage + Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low with a splash of water or plant-based milk to loosen the sauce back up - it comes back together really nicely.
Notes:
- To make fully vegan: use vegan butter and swap parmesan for ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining - it's great for loosening the sauce
- Vodka is optional but adds nice depth; skip it freely
- Chickpea or lentil pasta bumps the protein even higher
- This is listed as 4 servings but it could easily be 6 servings as well
Nutrition
Calories: 685kcal | Carbohydrates: 99g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 538mg | Potassium: 894mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 987IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 279mg | Iron: 4mg
