Description
A creamy, vibrant, and flavorful spinach sauce pasta that comes together in under 20 minutes. This vegan and vegetarian Italian-inspired dish features a smooth spinach and silken tofu sauce, perfect for a comforting brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
Spinach Sauce
- 350 g baby spinach (if using regular spinach, remove most of the stalks)
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 5 leaves fresh basil (can use parsley or coriander)
- 300 g silken tofu
- 1 tbsp butter
- 450 ml vegetable stock (see notes)
- 2 tsp black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
Pasta
- 250 g pasta
Optional
- Parmesan cheese to serve
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large stock pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain using a colander and set aside.
- Prepare the spinach sauce base: In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the baby spinach, garlic cloves, dried oregano, and black pepper powder. Cook until the spinach is wilted and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Blend the sauce: Transfer the sautéed spinach mixture into a blender. Add the silken tofu, vegetable stock, and fresh basil leaves. Blend until the sauce is silky smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure an even texture.
- Combine sauce and pasta: Return the sauté pan to low heat, add the butter and pour in the blended spinach sauce, warming it gently. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir thoroughly to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning and consistency: Taste the sauce and adjust salt as needed. If the sauce is too thick, dilute it with a little water to reach your desired consistency. Heat through but do not boil.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot, optionally garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or your favorite toppings such as fresh herbs or olive oil. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Vegetable stock: Use a stock pod diluted in approximately 500 ml water, or substitute with stock powder, cubes, or fresh vegetable broth for added nutrition.
- Silken tofu substitute: If unavailable, use an equal amount of grated Parmesan cheese (note this will change the recipe from vegan to vegetarian).
- Garnishes: Fresh herbs, olive oil, or Parmesan cheese enhance flavor and presentation.
