Craving a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that’s both delicious and entirely plant-based? Look no further than this Vegan Pasta Carbonara with Smoked Tofu! This Italian classic gets a delightful twist that will have even the most dedicated carnivores asking for seconds. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that comes together in just 30 minutes. So grab your ingredients and get ready to impress your taste buds with a guilt-free comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is to love!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 150g smoked tofu, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200ml plant-based cream
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned.
- Next, add the diced smoked tofu to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the tofu and onion mixture.
- Pour the plant-based cream over the pasta and tofu. Stir well to combine all ingredients. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Sprinkle in the nutritional yeast and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 2-3 minutes on low heat.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Vegan Pasta Carbonara hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious, plant-based meal!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to salt your boiling water generously; it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself! Aim for al dente texture for the best bite.
- Smoked Tofu Magic: For an extra flavor boost, press the smoked tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture. This will help it crisp up nicely in the skillet.
- Creamy Consistency: If you find the sauce too thick, don’t hesitate to add more reserved pasta water gradually. This will help achieve a silky, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti.
- Nutritional Yeast: This ingredient adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. If you’re not familiar with it, start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste!
- Garnish for Greatness: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s flavor. Don’t skip this step for that restaurant-quality presentation!
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is great for meal prep! You can make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of plant-based cream or pasta water to revive the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
