Discover the Secret to Creamy High-Protein Vegan Romesco Pasta With Tofu and Roasted Almonds

For those looking for a hearty yet simple plant-based meal, this high-protein romesco pasta offers both flavor and nutrition. Roasted red peppers, almonds, and tofu come together to create a creamy, protein-rich sauce that pairs perfectly with whole grain pasta.

Photo: Shutterstock/Indian Creations

Ingredients for the Dish

To prepare this recipe, the following ingredients are required:

• 400 g whole grain pasta (fusilli, farfalle, or penne)
• 4 large red peppers (or jarred roasted peppers as a substitute)
• 200 g block of plain tofu
• 80 g roasted almonds
• 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (or 150 g tomato puree)
• 3-4 sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
• 1-2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1-2 tsp oregano
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil (optional)
• Pasta cooking water (reserved for blending)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Roasting the Peppers and Almonds: Begin by preheating the oven to 200°C. Place the washed red peppers on a lined baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, turning occasionally until the skins are charred. Once removed, allow them to cool in a covered bowl to make peeling easier. If using raw almonds, toast them briefly in a pan or the oven until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
2. Cooking the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Important: Before draining, reserve about 200 ml of the starchy pasta cooking water to help emulsify the sauce.
3. Creating the Romesco Sauce: Peel, stem, and seed the cooled peppers. Transfer them to a high-speed blender along with the roasted almonds, garlic, crumbled tofu, tomato paste, spices, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Add half of the reserved pasta water and blend until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more pasta water if the sauce appears too thick.
4. Combining and Serving: Pour the sauce into a large pan and heat gently over low heat. Add the drained pasta and toss thoroughly until every piece is well-coated. Remove from the heat immediately to maintain the sauce's creamy texture.

Serving Suggestion

This dish is best served immediately while warm. For additional texture and flavor, consider topping the pasta with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, or extra crushed roasted almonds. The inclusion of tofu and almonds ensures a significant protein boost, making this an excellent choice for a balanced plant-based diet.

By blending protein-dense tofu with antioxidant-rich roasted peppers, this vegan romesco pasta provides a sophisticated, nutrient-packed alternative to traditional cream-based sauces.