Creamy Tomato Tofu Pasta Sauce
User Reviews
5
Creamy Tomato Tofu Pasta Sauce
Description
This sauce begins by gently cooking chopped onion and garlic in olive oil to develop sweetness and fragrance. The sautéed mixture is cooled slightly before blending with marinara sauce, fresh basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and silken tofu, which blends into the sauce to add creamy body without altering the flavor substantially.
Once combined and smooth, the sauce is returned to the pan and brought to a boil, cooking briefly while stirring to integrate flavors and warm thoroughly. The result is a velvety tomato sauce with herbaceous highlights and a hint of heat when red pepper flakes are included.
The sauce pairs well with any cooked pasta and can be customized by adding vegetables such as spinach, peas, carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli for a primavera style. Adjusting seasoning by adding sweetener like maple syrup can balance acidity from the tomato sauce depending on the brand used.
Using silken tofu is key for achieving a creamy texture; it blends smoothly without a strong tofu taste.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 6 garlic chopped, cloves
- 1 marinara sauce storebought, 23-ounce jar
- ½ cup basil chopped, fresh
- 1 teaspoon oregano fresh or dried
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tofu silken, 12.3 ounce block
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until they begin to lightly brown. Remove from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Put the onion garlic mixture in a blender and add the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and silken tofu. Blend until completely smooth.
- Put the sauce back into the pan and bring to a boil. Stirring constantly, cook for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
- Enjoy hot with your favorite cooked pasta.
Notes
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, peas, carrots, mushrooms, and broccoli for a pasta primavera variation.
- Silken tofu creates a smooth, creamy sauce; other tofu types are not recommended for this purpose.
- If the sauce tastes too acidic, balance with a small amount of maple syrup or sugar.
- Season to taste after blending, adjusting salt, pepper, and herbs as needed depending on the marinara used.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6- 8 servings (1 jar)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 361 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 361kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 65g | 22% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Sodium | 523mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 542mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 607IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 50mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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