Name: Vegan Creamy Cajun Pasta with Breaded Tofu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: fusion
Ingredients: 8 oz farfalle; 1 tsp oil or 2 tbsp broth; 3 cloves of garlic minced; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms; 1/2 red bell pepper thinly sliced; 7 oz firm tofu (, drained (use tofu that doesn’t have a strong beany flavor as that can stand out) see note for tofu free sauce); 1 cup non dairy milk such as soy milk, 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 (, mellow miso or chickpea miso); 1/2 tsp salt; 9 oz firm or extra firm tofu (, drained and pressed for 10 mins, then sliced into 1/2 inch thick slices); 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

My Cajun blend gets used up quickly right after my garam masala and berbere blends. Its a versatile blend that works in many types of meals. This Creamy Pasta Sauce has the cajun blend for a smoky delicious flavor profile. The sauce is creamy, fluffy and is made with tofu. I have started to make more Tofu sauces(Lemon Asparagus Pasta) as they are so much quicker than cashew sauces. They also amp up the protein in the meal!

The peppers and onions add flavor. I top the pasta with a smoky breaded tofu. You can use other toppings such as roasted cauliflower or veggies, or chickpeas or vegan meat subs. Or just serve as is! See Recipe notes for tofu-free option.

Vegan Creamy Cajun Pasta with Crisp Breaded tofu in a white bowl

Ingredients for Vegan Creamy Cajun Pasta

The Creamy Cajun Sauce has garlic, onion, mushrooms, peppers as the aromatics.
The creamy sauce portion uses tofu, non dairy milk, onion powder, cajun spice blend, miso and optional nutritional yeast
Farfalle is the pasta of choice
The Tofu is tossed in soy sauce, paprika, herbs, garlic, water and cornstarch mixture.
Breading uses breadcrumbs and onion flakes

How to Make Vegan Creamy Cajun Pasta with Breaded Tofu

Mix the soy sauce, herbs, spices, cornstarch, lime and oil in a shallow bowl. Coat each slice of the Tofu and let is sit to marinate for 10-15 mins.

ingredients for the tofu marinade in bowls

Meanwhile, cook the pasta and prep the sauce. In another shallow bowl mix breadcrumbs, onion flakes and salt. Coat each tofu slice in the breadcrumb mixture, Then pan fry for 4 to 5 mins each side or bake for 25 mins.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for a few seconds, add onion and mix and cook for a minute. Add bell pepper and mushrooms and a good pinch of salt and cook until golden.

Ingredients for our Vegan Cream Cajun Pasta Sauce in Bowls

Our Vegan Cream Cajun Pasta Sauce in a bleender

Meanwhile, blend the rest of the ingredients (tofu through miso) until smooth. Add this to the skillet and mix well. Bring to a boil. Taste and adjust flavor with more salt and cajun spice if needed.

Onion and pepper for our creamy cajun pasta sauce

Our Creamy Cajun Pasta Sauce in a skillet

Fold in the cooked farfalle and toss to coat. Switch off heat. Cover and let sit for 2 mins. Serve slice sliced breaded tofu, chopped tomato, pepper flakes and cilantro.

Can I make the pasta sauce without Tofu?

To make the sauce without soy: Use 1/2 cup cashews , 1 tbsp flour and 1/4 cup more non dairy milk and blend with the rest of the ingredients. Use chickpea miso.

Serve the Pasta without the breaded tofu topping or use roasted veggies or vegan chicken subs for soy-free.