This Creamy One Pan Cajun-Inspired Pasta with Crispy Tofu is the kind of weeknight dinner you’ll want on repeat. It’s rich, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy! Loaded with tender veggies, pasta, and crispy golden tofu – all simmered together in a luscious Cajun-spiced cream sauce. And the best part? It all comes together in a single pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor!

Creamy One Pan Cajun-Inspired Pasta

If you’re craving a bold and flavor-packed dinner that comes together with minimal cleanup, this Creamy One Pan Cajun-Inspired Pasta with Crispy Tofu is about to become your new go-to! It’s rich and spicy, loaded with crispy tofu bites and a creamy sauce that brings the whole thing together. The best part? Everything is made in one pan! Grab a drink and let’s get to cookin’!

Why You’ll Love This One Creamy Pan Cajun-Inspired Pasta

✔ One Pan Magic: Less mess, less stress! Everything cooks in the same pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
✔ Bold flavors: A smoky-spicy blend of herbs and spices infuses every bite!
✔ Creamy and Comforting: Reminds me of my favorite Cajun Pasta at a chain restaurant I used to order all the time.
✔ Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or switch up the spice level to suit your taste.
✔ Simple and Accessible Ingredients: Easy to find ingredients that are affordable and accessible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Crisp the Tofu:

Toss cubed tofu with cornstarch and half the Cajun seasoning. Pan-fry in olive oil until golden and crispy. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics and Season:

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and sauté onion, celery, and jalapeño until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning, nutritional yeast, and chili flakes (if using). Let the spices bloom for a minute.

3. Add the Pasta and Liquid:

Stir in uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes (with juice), chopped parsley, vegetable broth, vegan cream, and bell peppers. Bring to a boil.

4. Simmer:

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy.

5. Finish, Serve and Enjoy!

Stir in vegan parmesan until melted, then add the crispy tofu and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with extra parmesan, chives, and parsley. Enjoy!

Tips and FAQs

• Use super firm tofu: It saves time because there’s no pressing required and holds up best when pan-fried.
• Bloom your spices: Cooking the Cajun seasoning, garlic, and chili flakes before adding the liquids helps deepen the flavor.
• Stir occasionally: While the pasta cooks, stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Don’t skip the lemon: A splash of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the whole dish.
• Spice it your way: Use more or less jalapeño and chili flakes depending on your heat preference.

Can I use another protein instead of tofu?

Absolutely! Vegan sausage or tempeh would be great substitutes. Just make sure to pan-fry first for texture.

Can I make this Creamy One Pan Cajun-Inspired Pasta gluten-free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free short pasta and double-check that your broth and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free.

Storage and reheating:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water.

Craving More Easy and Comforting Meals? Try These Next!

Your New Favorite Weeknight Pasta!

This Creamy One Pan Cajun-Inspired Pasta with Crispy Tofu is the kind of weeknight dinner you’ll want on repeat. It’s rich, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy, loaded with tender veggies, pasta, and crispy golden tofu, all simmered together in a luscious Cajun-spiced cream sauce. And the best part? It all comes together in a single pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor!

If you give it a try and enjoy it, I wanna know! Snap a photo, take a video, or make a story and post it to Instagram or TikTok, and tag me at @eat_figs_not_pigs and #EatFigsNotPigs. I love seeing your recreations of my recipes! xx!

Creamy One Pan Cajun-Inspired Pasta with Crispy Tofu

Ashley

This Creamy One Pan Cajun-Inspired Pasta with Crispy Tofu is the kind of weeknight dinner you’ll want on repeat. It’s rich, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy, loaded with tender veggies, pasta, and crispy golden tofu—all simmered together in a luscious Cajun-spiced cream sauce. And the best part? It all comes together in a single pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Course Lunch/Dinner, Main, Meal Prep, Pasta

Cuisine Cajun-Inspired

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 16-ounce block of super firm tofu, cubed (or extra firm tofu, pressed, drained, and cubed)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning divided (homemade or store-bought)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 white onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 jalapeno, deseeded and diced
• 8 cloves fresh minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
• 12 ounces short pasta noodles, such as penne or bowtie
• 1 14.5 oz can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, with their juice
• ¼ cup fresh minced parsley, plus more for garnish
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup vegan heavy cream
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup vegan parmesan, plus more for garnish
• ¼ fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh minced chives, for garnish

Instructions

 

• To prepare the tofu, toss the tofu with the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, pan fry the tofu until golden brown and crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the same sauté pan over medium heat.
• When the oil is hot, add the onion, celery, and jalapeno. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent and the peppers are slightly tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
• Season with the remaining tablespoon Cajun seasoning, nutritional yeast, and chili flakes (if using). Continue to cook, stirring often, to bloom the spices, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes with their juices, parsley, broth, heavy cream, and thinly sliced bell peppers.
• Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
• Once at a light boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced into a creamy sauce, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Add the parmesan and stir until it has melted throughout.
• Stir in the reserved tofu and lemon juice until everything is combined. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
• Serve immediately with more vegan parmesan and fresh chives. Enjoy!

Video

Keyword cajun pasta with tofu, creamy vegan cajun pasta, dairy-free cajun pasta, easy vegan one pot pasta, one pan cajun pasta, vegan cajun pasta recipe

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