If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant pasta dish that feels both indulgent and healthy, you’re going to love this Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Recipe. It’s creamy without the dairy, packed with bright flavors from fresh basil, and gets a lovely natural sweetness from green peas. I promise this is not your everyday pasta – it’s fan-freaking-tastic and makes a colorful, comforting meal that comes together faster than you might think. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

Naturally Creamy without Dairy: Silken tofu blends into a silky sauce that’s rich and satisfying but light on the palate.
Bright and Fresh Flavors: Fresh basil and sweet green peas add vibrant color and an herbaceous kick that wakes up the dish.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Pantry staples like garlic, onion, and spices meld beautifully with fresh produce for an easy yet impressive meal.
Versatile and Quick: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights or entertaining without fuss.

Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu, healthy vegan pasta, gluten-free green pea pasta, dairy-free creamy pasta, vegetarian green pea recipe - A white round bowl filled with penne pasta covered in a thick, creamy green sauce. On top, there are bright green peas, small pieces of golden-brown roasted garlic, and a few fresh basil leaves in the center. The bowl is placed on white marbled texture with a silver fork resting nearby on a white cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Recipe is all in the way the ingredients compliment each other — creamy tofu balances the brightness of peas and basil, while onion and garlic give depth. When shopping, try to grab fresh basil and good-quality olive oil because those subtly boost the flavor to another level.

Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu, healthy vegan pasta, gluten-free green pea pasta, dairy-free creamy pasta, vegetarian green pea recipe - Flat lay of vibrant fresh green peas, bright green basil leaves, whole garlic cloves, a red onion quartered to show its layers, a smooth block of silken tofu, dried red pepper flakes sprinkled artistically, and a small pile of pale yellow uncooked pasta strands, all beautifully arranged in a balanced composition, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Olive oil: Use extra virgin if you can—its fruitiness enhances the sauce.
Onion: Red or yellow both work, I usually lean red for a touch of sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh cloves are a must; they bring that aromatic punch.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the sauce’s flavor elegantly.
Frozen peas: I like to thaw them before cooking so they blend smoothly.
Silken tofu: This is the creamy base that makes the sauce so luscious.
Fresh basil: The star herb here—packed with flavor and freshness.
Pasta water: The secret sauce helper — that starch helps the sauce cling perfectly.
Pasta: Pick your favorite kind; I usually use penne or spaghetti for this one.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch adds a nice little heat boost if you like.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand or what you’re craving that day. Feel free to tweak the herbs or add a little twist to make it your signature dish.

Add some greens: I sometimes throw in spinach or kale right before blending for extra nutrients and color.
Swap tofu for cream: If you aren’t dairy-free, a splash of cream can make it even richer (though I do adore the tofu’s texture).
Heat it up: Crushed red pepper flakes are my go-to fancy finish when I want a little extra kick.
Use different pasta shapes: Fusilli or farfalle trap the green sauce beautifully and make every bite interesting.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Cook Your Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to save about 2 cups of that magical pasta water before draining! The starch-rich water is what helps to marry the sauce and pasta, so keep it handy. I like cooking the pasta just until al dente because it finishes cooking in the sauce, avoiding mushiness.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic to Fragrant Perfection

In the same pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped onion and whole peeled garlic cloves, stirring until they start to brown and smell irresistible. This step builds the flavor foundation—don’t rush it! Add the paprika and Italian seasoning, stir quickly for about 10 seconds until you can smell those herbs releasing their fragrance.

Step 3: Cook the Peas Until Bright and Tender

Add your thawed peas to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly to avoid burning. Peas add that sweet pop of brightness that really lifts this dish. If you notice anything sticking or burning, a splash of pasta water will save the day and keep everything silky.

Step 4: Blend It All Into a Creamy Dream

Take the onion, garlic, and peas off the heat and transfer them to a blender. Into the mix goes the silken tofu and a full cup of fresh basil leaves. Blend on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is creamy and smooth—this is where the magic happens! Taste and season with salt and pepper, then blend for another minute to balance everything perfectly.

Step 5: Finish and Toss Your Pasta

Pour your luscious green sauce back into the pot and warm it gently over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Then add your pasta, stirring to coat every last strand or shape. If the sauce feels too thick, drizzle in reserved pasta water little by little until you get the consistency you love. Serve piping hot, garnished with extra basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy.

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Pro Tips for Making Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Recipe

Use a high-speed blender: It helps create the silkiest sauce with no pea chunks — trust me, it makes a difference.
Don’t skip the pasta water: That starchy liquid is a game changer for creamy, clingy sauce consistency.
Taste as you go: Season after blending so you can adjust salt, pepper, and spices perfectly.
Avoid overcooking pasta: Al dente pasta mixed in warm sauce finishes cooking without going mushy.

How to Serve Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Recipe

Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu, healthy vegan pasta, gluten-free green pea pasta, dairy-free creamy pasta, vegetarian green pea recipe - The image shows a clear glass square dish filled with penne pasta coated in a thick, green sauce. The pasta pieces are close together, each covered evenly with the creamy, bright green sauce that has a smooth texture with some small bits visible. The dish is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture and there is a white cloth next to it. The edge of a transparent dish lid is slightly visible at the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this pasta with extra fresh basil—it brightens up the presentation and adds an herbaceous pop just before eating. For a tiny bit of heat, some crushed red pepper flakes are perfect. Sometimes I sprinkle a little toasted pine nuts on top for subtle crunch and richness, too.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes. For something heartier, garlic bread or a simple bruschetta works like a charm. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside grilled portobello mushrooms for a full vegetarian meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this for a special occasion, try plating the pasta in a spiral tower and garnishing with whole basil leaves and edible flowers for a wow factor. Another fun idea: serve it in small bowls with colorful veggies scattered on top for a vibrant family-style experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After a meal, I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Before sealing, I sometimes add a touch of olive oil to help keep the pasta from sticking together—especially if you’re planning to reheat it later.

Freezing

Freezing this pasta can be a bit tricky because tofu-based sauces sometimes change texture. But if you want to freeze some for convenience, I recommend freezing just the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container and the pasta in another. When ready, thaw and combine for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I gently warm the pasta on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Microwaving works too, but stir halfway through heating to make sure it warms evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan since it uses silken tofu instead of dairy cream and olive oil in place of butter. Just be sure to check your pasta’s ingredients to avoid eggs if you want to keep it completely vegan.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?

I personally love penne or spaghetti because they hold onto the sauce well, but feel free to use fusilli, farfalle, or even rigatoni. The key is pasta that can trap the creamy sauce to get little bursts of flavor in every bite.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. When ready to eat, gently reheat it and toss with freshly cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to freshen it up.
What if I don’t have silken tofu on hand?

Silken tofu is ideal for the creamy texture, but if you don’t have it, try a mild vegan cream or soaked cashews blended until smooth as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

This Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire for how fresh and comforting it feels while being surprisingly simple to make. Sharing it with friends feels like sharing a secret – one that’s wholesome, colorful, and downright delicious. Once you try it, I’m confident you’ll come back to it again and again, just like I do. Give it a go, and enjoy every vibrant, creamy bite!