Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound pasta of choice
Tofu and Vegetables
- 14 ounces silken tofu
- 20 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes (by weight)
- 1 white or yellow onion
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 6 large cloves)
- ¼ cup fresh basil
Liquids and Oils
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ½ cup white wine (dry, such as pinot grigio)
Flavorings
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the cherry or grape tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they begin to burst and soften, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to release their juices.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and simmer until reduced by half, which will take about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to concentrate.
- Prepare Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine silken tofu, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil. Blend until smooth to create a creamy tomato basil sauce.
- Combine Sauce and Tomatoes: Pour the tofu sauce into the skillet with the cooked tomatoes. Stir to combine and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat evenly with the sauce. Heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top before serving for added richness. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use silken tofu for a creamy, smooth sauce texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Any dry white wine can be used if pinot grigio is unavailable.
- For gluten-free, select gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan