Vegan Creamy Cajun Pasta with Breaded tofu.
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
419 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Fusion
Vegan Creamy Cajun Pasta with Breaded tofu.
Description
The dish starts by cooking farfalle pasta and preparing breaded tofu slices coated with a soy sauce and spice marinade, then breaded with seasoned breadcrumbs and pan-fried or baked until crisp. The sauce is created by blending tofu with soy milk, flour, miso paste, nutritional yeast, Cajun spices, and seasonings, then heated with sautéed garlic, onion, mushrooms, and red bell pepper until thick and well combined.
The final assembly brings the creamy, spiced sauce together with the pasta and is topped by the crunchy tofu, providing varying textures and rich flavors from the Cajun spice blend. The sauce’s creaminess balances the smoky, herby tofu for a satisfying vegan entrée.
The recipe includes suggestions for making the sauce soy-free by adding cashews and modifying plant milk amounts, as well as gluten-free options for pasta and breadcrumbs. It is suitable for those avoiding soy or gluten with those substitutions.
Ingredients
- 8 oz farfalle pasta
Vegan Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- 1 tsp oil or 2 tbsp broth
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 1/2 cup mushroom sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 7 oz tofu drained (use tofu that doesn’t have a strong beany flavor as that can stand out) see note for tofu free sauce, firm
- 1 cup soy milk non dairy milk such as oat milk or almond milk
- 1 tsp flour
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3 tsp cajun spice blend or more as needed
- 2-3 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1 tsp miso paste mellow miso or chickpea miso
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Breaded Tofu:
- 9 oz firm tofu drained and pressed for 10 mins, then sliced into 1/2 inch thick slices, or extra firm tofu
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning or use a mix of sage, thyme and oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or a mix of sweet and smoked, or use cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch or other starch
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp onion flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to instructions on package and set aside.
- Breaded tofu: Mix the soy sauce, herbs, spices, cornstarch, lime in a shallow bowl. Coat each slice of the Tofu and let is sit to marinate for 10-15 mins. Meanwhile prep the sauce(below).
- In another shallow bowl mix breadcrumbs, onion flakes. Coat each tofu slice in the breadcrumb mixture, Then pan fry in a regular skillet or grill skillet over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 mins each side, or bake for at 400 deg F (205 C) for 25 mins. Slice into half inch slices.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for a few seconds, add onion and mix and cook for half a minute. Add bell pepper and mushrooms and a good pinch of salt and cook until golden.
- Meanwhile, blend the rest of the ingredients (tofu through salt) in a blender until smooth. Add this to the skillet and mix well. Bring to a boil. Taste and adjust flavor with more salt, cajun spice, nutritional yeast if needed. (some tofu brands are denser and might need more of the flavor ingredients).
- Fold in the cooked farfalle and toss to coat. Switch off heat. Cover and let sit for 2 mins.
- The pasta is great as is as well. Garnish with 1/4 cup or more chopped tomato, pepper flakes and cilantro. Serve with sliced breaded tofu, Store: Pasta sauce and cajun pasta can be stored refrigerated for upto 3 days.Tofu breading will soften on storage, Re-bake and serve.
Notes
- To make the sauce soy-free, blend cashews, extra non-dairy milk, and chickpea miso with the other sauce ingredients.
- Gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free version.
- The breaded tofu can be pan-fried or baked at 400°F for 25 minutes to achieve a crispy texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 419 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 419kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 59g | 20% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 572mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 383mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1278IU | 26% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 265mg | 27% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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