Spicy and Creamy Vegan Cajun Pasta with Tofu

This Spicy and Creamy Vegan Cajun Pasta with Tofu is bursting with vibrant flavors. With tender tofu chunks adding protein, this pasta dish is a culinary adventure that combines rich creaminess, fiery spices and wholesome ingredients in one unforgettable meal.

Its a comfort food for all times and so easy to make. Its great to pack for lunches and is specially delicious if served for dinner.

Tofu is my favorite protein. I like to add it in most of my recipes. I really love tofu tikka masala which is made with Indian spices.

I also like to make chocolate mousse as a dessert with tofu to add extra nutrition to my sweet treats.

I love to snack on crunchy tofu nuggets and tofu salad is the best salad recipe for a healthy meal.

About cajun cuisine

It is a style of cuisine developed by Cajun-Acadians. It is also referred to as rustic cuisine. Cajun cuisine is usually a 3 pot affair with the combination steamed rice, meat and vegetables. The spices are made with various herbs, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and green onions.

My quinoa jambalaya is a great recipe example of this cuisine.

Is cajun pasta vegan?

Traditionally, cajun pasta is made with chicken and is cooked in chicken broth. So, originally its not vegan. However, I have used tofu in this recipe and made it vegan cajun pasta so as to fit into everyone’s diet.

Why you will love this

Flavorful and satisfying
Easy to make
Oil free and low in fats
Protein packed and healthy
Comfort weeknight family dinner

Ingredients

Ingredients notes

Tofu – this adds protein to the recipe making it healthier and filling. I used high protein super firm tofu but you may use extra firm tofu.

Pasta – I used protein pasta made from chickpeas (Banza) to add more nutrition and protein. You may use regular pasta if desired.

Cajun spice mix – I used store bought cajun spice blend for convenience. You may use homemade or any of your choice.

Veggies – I liked the combination of broccoli and bell peppers in this vegetarian cajun pasta recipe but any vegetables of your choice works here.

Cashew nuts – I tested cajun sauce with and without cashew nuts. My whole family approved the creamy texture of this sauce which was made with cashew nuts. So, I recommend using cashew nuts because they make this cajun pasta sauce creamy without cream.

Vegetable broth – I made this recipe oil free so I used vegetable broth as the base to sauté onions and make a healthy cajun sauce.

Soy sauce – I recommend using low sodium soy sauce to sauté tofu here. This will help balance the sodium level in this recipe.

For detailed measurement of ingredients, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to make

Step 1 – Sauce

Firstly, I heated a nonstick pan and added vegetable broth in it. Then, I added roughly chopped onions followed by garlic cloves, tomato puree, cashew nuts, nutritional yeast, coconut milk, cajun spice blend and salt.

Next, I stirred it well and let it cook for few minutes until 2-3 bubbles.

Lastly, I turned it off and spooned it out in the blender. Then, I blended it until smooth and creamy and kept it aside.

Step 2 – Assemble

In this step, I heated another nonstick pan or skillet and added soy in it. Immediately, I tossed in sliced tofu and coated each of them with soy sauce. Then, I let it cook for few minutes until chewy and golden in color.

Secondly, I tossed in vegetables and gently mixed everything in the pan.

Next, I folded in cooked pasta in the pan.

Then, I poured in the blended cajun pasta sauce.

Lastly, I seasoned it with salt as per taste and let it cook for few minutes until the sauce thickened sightly.

I served this vegan cajun pasta warm and it tasted outstandingly delicious. We all ate it for our dinner and it was so comforting.

Storage tips

This veggie cajun pasta tastes best when served immediately. However, you may refrigerate the leftovers in a glass container with a lid for 2-3 days. Warm it up in the microwave nicely before serving.

Expert tips

• If using extra firm tofu make sure to press it really well so as to avoid its breakage while tossing all the ingredients together in the pan. Pressing tofu also helps it become firmer.
• If using Vitamix blender then the cooked sauce ingredients does not need to be cooled before blending. If using some other blender then cool down the ingredients before blending.
• This is an oil free pasta recipe so it important to use a good quality nonstick pan so as to avoid any sticking.

More vegan pasta recipes

Spaghetti Aglio e olio
Lemon Pasta
One Pot Taco Pasta
Spicy Chipotle Pasta
Beetroot Sauce Pasta

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I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did. I am very excited to hear back from you.

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In addition, you may checkout my cookbook for everyday comfort vegan recipes.