Crispy Tofu Pesto Pasta

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Servings: 4 Prep: 25 min Dairy Free Gluten Free Blender Food Processor Stovetop Vegetarian Added 5 months ago Updated 5 months ago

Missing nutrition data for: Gluten Free Penne Pasta, Firm Tofu, Jalapeño Pepper, Fresh Basil, Pine Nuts, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper

Crispy Tofu Pesto Pasta

Ingredients

For the tofu and pasta:
water, for cooking pasta
6 ounces gluten free penne pasta, or pasta of choice
12 ounces firm tofu
For the pesto:
¼ jalapeño pepper, optional
1 bunch fresh basil, plus more for serving
¼ cup pine nuts
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
sea salt, to taste
ground black pepper, to taste
To cook:
1 large zucchini
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
sea salt, to taste
ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. For the tofu and pasta: Place a large saucepan of water on the stove and bring to a boil. Cook pasta per instructions on the side of the packaging.

2. Wrap tofu in a cloth and place a few heavy books on top, or use a tofu press, to release any excess moisture.

3. For the pesto: While the tofu is pressing, prepare the pesto. Core jalapeño and remove seeds.

4. Place basil, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, jalapeño, and olive oil into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. To cook: Chop zucchini into quarter rounds. Chop the tofu into cubes. Place a large frying pan on the stove over medium/high heat.

6. Add olive oil to the pan and add in the tofu and zucchini. Crisp each side of the tofu and zucchini for 2-4 minutes each side until golden brown.

7. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.

8. To assemble, drain the pasta, put into a large pasta bowl, and toss with the pesto sauce.

9. Place the crispy tofu and zucchini on top of the pasta and serve with fresh basil and Parmesan if desired.