Roasted Red Pepper Pasta with Silken Tofu and Chives Recipe
Introduction
This roasted red pepper pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s both simple and satisfying. Using silken tofu and roasted peppers, it offers a deliciously smooth sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (penne recommended)
- 200g jar roasted red peppers
- 290g silken tofu, drained
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 10g chives, finely sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, combine the roasted red peppers, silken tofu, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and lemon juice in a high-powered blender. Blend until completely smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: When the pasta is done, use a slotted spoon to transfer it directly into the saucepan with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Season lightly to taste, then divide the pasta between two bowls. Sprinkle with the finely sliced chives if using, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use chickpea or gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for special diets without losing flavor.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the sauce for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
- Substitute lemon juice with a splash of white wine vinegar to add a different tangy note.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of olive oil before serving.
Storage
Store any leftover pasta and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or plant-based milk if the sauce thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh roasted red peppers instead of jarred?
Yes, fresh roasted peppers will work well and add a vibrant flavor. Just roast and peel them before blending.
Is silken tofu necessary for the sauce?
Silken tofu provides the creamy texture without dairy, but you can try substituting with cashew cream or a plant-based yogurt for a similar effect.
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Roasted Red Pepper Pasta with Silken Tofu and Chives Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A creamy and flavorful roasted red pepper pasta made with silken tofu for a dairy-free twist. This quick and easy recipe blends roasted red peppers, tofu, and nutritional yeast into a smooth sauce that is gently warmed and tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Garnished with fresh chives, it’s a vibrant, healthy dish ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 300g penne pasta
Sauce
- 200g jar roasted red peppers
- 290g silken tofu, drained
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ lemon, juiced
Garnish
- 10g chives, finely sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta using a slotted spoon to retain some cooking water for sauce adjustment, then set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a high-powered blender, combine the roasted red peppers, silken tofu, nutritional yeast, low-sodium soy sauce, and lemon juice. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Warm the sauce: Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan and gently warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly heat the sauce through.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the warm sauce using a slotted spoon. Toss well to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce. Adjust seasoning lightly with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and garnish: Divide the pasta between two bowls and sprinkle the finely sliced chives on top if using. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute penne with gluten-free pasta.
- You can add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Chives are optional but provide a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of reserved pasta cooking water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
Keywords: Roasted red pepper pasta, vegan pasta recipe, creamy red pepper sauce, silken tofu sauce, healthy pasta dish
