Tomato Tofu Basil Pasta

This is an easy and light penne pasta dish with tomatoes and tofu with fresh basil to make a great summer evening treat!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 699 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 3 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 4 cups whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 cup extra-firm tofu cubes
• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil
• 0.5 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain, reserving 2 cups of the water.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Cook garlic in hot oil until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes; add tofu and continue cooking and stirring until browned, about 5 minutes more.

Step 3

Arrange tomatoes in the bottom of the saucepan so the cut sides are down; cook until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Squeeze the tomatoes with the back of a fork to release their juices.

Step 4

Pour 1 cup reserved water over the tomato mixture; bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid reduces slightly, about 5 minutes. Add more reserved water if the liquid gets too thick.

Step 5

Remove saucepan from heat; add drained penne. Stir cheese and basil through the pasta mixture; season with salt and pepper.