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You are here: Home / Recipes / Spicy and Creamy Vegan Cajun Pasta with Tofu

Spicy and Creamy Vegan Cajun Pasta with Tofu

Published on August 17, 2023 By Gunjan 22 Comments

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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.

top view of served vegan cajun pasta in a serving plate.

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

top view of all raw ingredients on a wooden board.

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.

a front view of served vegan cajun pasta.

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.

cooked sauce in the pan.

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

blended sauce in the blender.

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.

sauteed tofu in a nonstick pan.

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

veggies and tofu sauteed in the pan.

Next, I folded in cooked pasta in the pan.

pasta tossed in the pan with other ingredients.

Then, I poured in the blended cajun pasta sauce.

all the ingredients in the pan.

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

top view of cooked pasta and veggies with tofu in cajun sauce in the nonstick pan.

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

a 45 degree angle view of served vegan cajun pasta.

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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where did cajun pasta originate from?

It originated in Louisiana whose roots were from France but were immigrants to Canada.

What is the difference between cajun and creole seasonings?

Cajun seasonings is more about ground peppers and creole seasoning consists mainly of a variety of herbs.

How do I make this cajun pasta creamier?

I used lightened coconut milk from tetra pack to keep this recipe low in fat and in calories. You may use canned full fat coconut milk to make it creamier.

a fork digging into the cooked recipe.

More vegan pasta recipes

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

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you click on them and make a purchase, I will get a small commission. Moreover, I share only those products which I use personally and love.

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

Where to find me?
Follow me on Facebook or on Twitter. You may tag @kiipfit on Instagram with your recipe remake images because I would love to see what you cooked.

Did you make it?
If you get a chance to make this recipe then please leave your feedback in the comments below along with a 5-star rating.

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

top view of served vegan cajun pasta in a serving plate.
Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes

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.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun
Keyword: creamy cajun pasta, vegan cajun pasta, vegan cajun pasta recipe, veggie cajun pasta
Servings: 4
Calories: 235kcal
Author: Gunjan

Ingredients

For sauce

  • 2 tbsp vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped onions
  • 1-2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup tomato puree
  • 1/4 cup raw cashew nuts
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1-2 tbsp cajun spice blend
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (tetra pack)
  • Salt as per taste

Others

  • 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 16 oz super firm/extra firm tofu (drained, pressed, sliced)
  • 1/2 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup colored bell peppers (sliced length wise)
  • 2 1/4 cup cooked pasta (chickpea rotini/regular/whole grain)
  • Salt as per taste

Instructions

  • Heat a nonstick pan at high flame and add vegetable broth to it.
  • Add onions, garlic cloves, tomato puree, nutritional yeast, cashew nuts, Cajun spice blend, coconut milk and salt to it. Stir and let it cook for few minutes up to 2-3 bubbles. Turn it off and let it cool down a bit.
  • Spoon the cooked sauce in the blender and blend it smooth and creamy. Keep it aside.
  • Heat another large nonstick pan or skillet at medium flame and add soy sauce to it. Place tofu slices in it in a single layer. Flip each slice with the help of tongs and make sure that each tofu slice is coated with soy sauce. Cook tofu from all sides until golden brown in color.
  • Toss in broccoli and colored bell peppers. Mix gently without breaking tofu slices. Let it cook for 30 seconds at medium flame.
  • Toss in cooked pasta and mix everything once or twice gently.
  • Fold in blended sauce and adjust salt as per taste. Let it cook uncovered for few minutes at low-medium flame until sauce starts to thicken.
  • Turn it off and mix everything once more. Serve hot and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • I used high protein super firm tofu in this recipe. You may use extra firm tofu but make sure to press tofu well so that it firms up and does not break while cooking.
  • Any pasta of your choice can be used here. I used chickpea rotini from Banza in this recipe to add more protein.
  • I used coconut milk beverage style that comes in tetra pack to make this recipe light. You may use canned coconut milk (lightened or full fat). In this case the nutritional value will vary.
  • This Cajun pasta tastes best when served immediately but you may refrigerate the leftovers in a glass container with a lid for 2-3 days. Warm it well in a microwave before serving.
  • Depending on your blender you may chose to cool down the cooked sauce before blending. I used Vitamix blender so I was able to blend immediately.
  • This is an oil free recipe but after tossing vegetable if desired you may grease the vegetable with a cooking spray for extra moisture.

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 337mg | Potassium: 417mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 3mg

a close up view of the served cajun pasta.

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Filed Under: Dinner, Recipes, Special Diet, Vegan

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sisley says

    August 18, 2023 at 7:32 am

    5 stars
    I made this for vegan family when they visited and they loved it!

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      August 18, 2023 at 7:59 am

      Thank you Sisley for your feedback. So glad your family loved this pasta dish.

      Reply
  2. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

    August 18, 2023 at 7:31 am

    5 stars
    This recipe is a true testament to the exciting possibilities of vegan cooking, and it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Get your forks ready for a spicy and creamy fiesta!

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      August 18, 2023 at 7:59 am

      Thank you Shadi. You kinds words are very encouraging.

      Reply
  3. Suja md says

    August 18, 2023 at 7:26 am

    5 stars
    Outstanding recipe thanks so much! tasted so much good!

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      August 18, 2023 at 7:59 am

      Thank you Suja!

      Reply
  4. Kathleen says

    August 18, 2023 at 7:18 am

    5 stars
    This is one hearty, comforting and flavor packed pasta dish. My family are going to devour this when I make it.

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      August 18, 2023 at 7:18 am

      Thank you Kathleen!

      Reply
  5. Kristen says

    August 18, 2023 at 6:55 am

    5 stars
    This turned out great! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      August 18, 2023 at 7:19 am

      Thank you Kristen!

      Reply
  6. Tessa Christianson says

    February 5, 2019 at 7:08 am

    This looks absolutely delicious!! I love tofu but have never had it with cajun spice mix – it looks like the perfect kick for this pasta bowl. I can’t wait to give this a try!

    Reply
  7. Ellen | Zyrakuma says

    February 5, 2019 at 12:31 am

    This looks so yummy and easy! Anything involving pasta is a must try. Plus I have tofu at home. I’m gonna try making this!

    Reply
  8. Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

    February 4, 2019 at 7:58 pm

    Yum! This looks amazing! I will have to give it a try this week!

    Reply
  9. Geeky Daddy says

    February 4, 2019 at 3:40 pm

    This sounds terrific! And your photos make it looks so delicious!

    Reply
  10. Nick DePasquale says

    February 4, 2019 at 2:20 pm

    This looks delicious! I think I will try it over rice instead of over pasta.

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      February 4, 2019 at 3:08 pm

      Rice should also taste good. However, I have personally not tried it.

      Reply
  11. Sara says

    February 4, 2019 at 2:07 pm

    This looks so delicious. I pinned it to try sometime this week.

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      February 4, 2019 at 3:09 pm

      Thank you Sara. Hope you enjoy it.

      Reply
  12. Stine Mari says

    February 4, 2019 at 12:39 pm

    5 stars
    I love cajun spice too, this looks fabulous!

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      February 4, 2019 at 3:09 pm

      Thank you Stine. It indeed is and also i make it regularly for my family.

      Reply
  13. Shannah says

    February 4, 2019 at 12:10 pm

    Looks like a great recipe for my son to try! He is vegetarian and just said the other day needed to figure out how to get the tofu more tasteful and this spicy mix will do the trick!

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      February 4, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      oh great! do let me know how it turned out for you.

      Reply

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A close up front view of Gunjan Dudani'a face.
Hi, I am Gunjan Dudani, Certified Nutrition Coach. I love creating comfort vegan recipes with a healthier twist that friends and family will love. Click here

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