Name: Silken Tofu Spinach Pasta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups (200 g or 7 oz) dried fusilli pasta (or any pasta of your choice); 150 g (~5.3 oz) silken tofu; 5 cups (200 g or 7 oz) chopped spinach; 2 tbsp nutritional yeast; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 1/2 tsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional); 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper (to taste); 1 tsp salt (to taste); Fresh basil leaves or vegan Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 13 reviews

If you’re looking for a pasta sauce that’s creamy, vibrant, and utterly satisfying without relying on dairy, then this Silken Tofu Spinach Pasta Sauce Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s a wonderfully fresh and nutritious twist, combining the silky creaminess of tofu with the earthiness of spinach and a zing of lemon to brighten every bite. Perfectly paired with your favorite pasta, this sauce is as easy to make as it is delicious, turning everyday ingredients into a luscious, wholesome meal that feels both indulgent and light.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a shiny pan is a base layer of pale yellow, spiral pasta. On top of this, a thick green sauce with a smooth texture is being poured from a blender jar, spreading over the pasta below. The pasta spirals are tightly packed and slightly shiny, while the green sauce looks creamy and fresh. The background is a white marbled surface with a partly visible white and beige striped cloth next to the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients keep the Silken Tofu Spinach Pasta Sauce Recipe simple yet packed with flavor and texture. Each one plays a key role, from creating creaminess to adding vibrant color and a depth of taste that will make your pasta truly shine.

Fusilli Pasta (2 cups): This spiral pasta holds the sauce beautifully, but feel free to swap with your preferred pasta type.
Silken Tofu (150 gms): The secret to creamy texture without dairy, blending smoothly into the sauce.
Spinach, chopped (5 cups): Adds a fresh, earthy flavor and vibrant green hue that’s also full of nutrients.
Nutritional Yeast (2 tbsp): Brings a subtle cheesy and nutty flavor, a fantastic vegan-friendly alternative.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the sauce with a pungent warmth and depth.
Onion, chopped (1 small): Provides a mild sweetness when sautéed just right.
Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Adds a bright, tangy note that balances the creaminess beautifully.
Olive Oil (1 1/2 tsp): Enhances richness and helps soften the veggies during cooking.
Chilli Flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For just a whisper of heat that can be adjusted to taste.
Black Pepper, crushed (1/2 tsp): Adds a bit of bite and warmth to round out the flavors.
Salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the ingredients together.
Fresh Basil or Vegan Parmesan: Perfect garnish options to elevate the final dish.

How to Make Silken Tofu Spinach Pasta Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing 4-5 cups of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add your pasta and cook it for about two minutes less than the package directions indicate because it will finish cooking later in the sauce. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta but reserve half a cup of the starchy cooking water – this is pure magic for adjusting sauce consistency later on. Set the pasta aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Spinach

In a skillet, gently heat your olive oil before adding the minced garlic, chopped onion, and chili flakes if you want a kick. Sauté these for a minute or two until the onions become soft and translucent and that garlic scent starts to fill your kitchen. Stir in the spinach and cook it until it’s completely wilted, stirring often to ensure even cooking and no sticking. This step builds the rich, savory foundation of your sauce.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Transfer your cooked spinach mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the silken tofu, nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, and that lively splash of lemon juice. Blend everything until it transforms into a wonderfully smooth and creamy sauce. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if you like—maybe a little more lemon for zing or salt to bring out the flavors. This blended sauce is the heart of the Silken Tofu Spinach Pasta Sauce Recipe, rich, fresh, and healthy.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the creamy spinach tofu sauce back into the pan and fold in your cooked pasta gently. Simmer this together for 2-3 minutes so the pasta absorbs some of the sauce’s flavor and finishes cooking perfectly. If the sauce feels a bit thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a luscious coating. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves, vegan parmesan, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast before serving to add that extra burst of flavor and color.

How to Serve Silken Tofu Spinach Pasta Sauce Recipe

A close-up of a silver pan filled with rotini pasta covered in thick green sauce with a smooth texture. The pasta spirals are coated fully and scattered evenly in the sauce. On top, finely grated light yellow cheese is sprinkled, adding a light contrast. Small green herbs are also visible amidst the pasta. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with part of a stove visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten up your plate with fresh basil leaves or a generous sprinkle of vegan parmesan to mirror the traditional pasta experience. Nutritional yeast is another great garnish that boosts the cheesy flavor while keeping everything vegan-friendly. A touch of cracked black pepper or chili flakes on top can add a final kick if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. Try a fresh tomato and cucumber salad dressed in lemon and olive oil for a refreshing counterpoint, or whip up some crunchy, herb-infused breadsticks for dipping into the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top. Garnish with edible flowers like nasturtiums or microgreens for a pop of color that impresses. You can also layer this sauce between pasta sheets and bake it as a creamy lasagna alternative, adding your favorite vegan cheese if you like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Silken Tofu Spinach Pasta Sauce Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sauce separate from the pasta if you can, to maintain optimal texture when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to save the sauce for longer, freeze it in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve that silky texture.

Reheating

Reheat your sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of pasta water or plant milk to keep it creamy and prevent it from drying out. Avoid boiling as high heat can change the tofu’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use firm tofu instead of silken tofu?

Firm tofu won’t blend as smoothly, and the sauce may be thicker and less creamy. Silken tofu is essential here for that velvety, luscious texture.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! This Silken Tofu Spinach Pasta Sauce Recipe uses plant-based ingredients, and you can select vegan parmesan or skip it altogether to keep the dish fully vegan.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just stir and warm it up gently before combining with pasta for the best flavor and texture.

What pasta types work best with this sauce?

While fusilli is fantastic because its twists trap the sauce, feel free to experiment with penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options—you’ll still get that delicious coating on every bite.

How can I adjust the sauce’s flavor?

If you like, increase the lemon juice for more brightness or add more garlic for a punchier taste. For a spicy version, chili flakes are perfect. Feel free to tweak seasoning to suit your taste buds exactly.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to bring this creamy, fresh, and versatile Silken Tofu Spinach Pasta Sauce Recipe to life, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting pasta meal that feels indulgent but is utterly wholesome and packed with plant-based goodness. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, friends, or family, this sauce is sure to impress and satisfy every time.