Marry Me Pasta with Crispy Tofu (Vegan)

5 from 4 votes

Marry Me Pasta with Crispy Tofu (Vegan)

This creamy Marry Me Pasta with Crispy Tofu is a mouthwatering dish with a flavorful cashew cream sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, tender penne, and crisp tofu for a heavenly recipe that might just that person to get down on one knee!

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Total Time35

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan

Servings:

Calories: 562kcal

Author: Allie Petersen

Equipment

1 High speed blender
1 Air Fryer or baking sheet
1 Large saucepan

Ingredients

1 16 oz. block extra firm tofu drained and pressed for 20 minutes
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon garlic powder
8 oz penne pasta or pasta of choice

Creamy Sauce

~1 cup cashew cream (see below)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
2 cups vegetable broth
¼ cup vegan parmesan plus more for topping
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
¼-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 cups fresh spinach
¼ cup fresh basil plus more for topping

Cashew Cream

1 cup raw cashews soaked for 3-4 hours in water
¾ cup water

Instructions

Tofu Prep

Start by cutting your tofu into 1-2 inch pieces (cubes or triangles). Toss in a tablespoon of cornstarch and garlic powder. Bake or air fry your tofu.
Bake: Place tofu on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven (400 F) for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip halfway.
Air Fry: Air fry your tofu for 12-15 minutes at 400F, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
1 16 oz. block extra firm tofu, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Cashew Cream & Pasta

In a high speed blender add your soaked cashews and ¾ cup water. Blend on high for a few minutes or until smooth or creamy.
1 cup raw cashews, ¾ cup water
Begin boiling your pasta to package instructions.
8 oz penne pasta

Vegetable Prep and Assembly

In a large saucepan, begin heating olive oil over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes or until it starts to brown slightly. Then add in your minced garlic, oregano, and salt. Cook for another minute.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon salt
Add in your vegetable broth, sun-dried tomatoes, cashew cream, and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer for 6-8 minutes.
~1 cup cashew cream (see below), 2 cups vegetable broth, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, ¼-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Add in your vegan parmesan, fresh spinach, and basil. Stir well and simmer until spinach is cooked down.
¼ cup vegan parmesan, 3 cups fresh spinach, ¼ cup fresh basil
Add in your cooked pasta and crispy tofu and stir until combined. Taste your dish and add more salt if needed.
Serve Marry Me Pasta warm and top with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, more vegan parm and/or nutritional yeast.

Nutrition