Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly marries the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with the wholesome goodness of tofu? Look no further than our Pasta with Tex Mex Tofu Sauce! This quick and easy recipe not only delivers a hearty meal in just 35 minutes but also offers a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes. Packed with protein-rich tofu, zesty salsa, and a medley of beans and corn, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping things light and nutritious. Whether you're a busy weeknight warrior or a weekend culinary explorer, this recipe is just what you need to spice up your dinner routine. Dive in and discover how to create this flavor-packed masterpiece!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, crumbled
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, drain the tofu block and pat it dry with paper towels. Crumble the tofu into small, ground meat-like pieces using your hands or a fork.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning and moisture evaporation.
- Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the tofu. Stir to coat the tofu evenly with the spices and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the black beans and corn. Add them to the skillet with the tofu and stir to combine.
- Pour the salsa into the skillet and mix well. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly and return it to the pot. Pour the tofu and salsa mixture over the pasta and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. Optional: Add a sprinkle of additional chili powder or hot sauce for extra heat.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente by following the package instructions closely. This will give you the ideal texture that holds up well with the sauce.
- Crispy Tofu: For a firmer texture, press the tofu before crumbling it. Place it between two plates and weigh it down for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the spices to your taste! If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili powder to the tofu mixture.
- Flavor Boost: Let the tofu and salsa mixture simmer longer if you want a deeper flavor. The longer it cooks, the more the spices will meld together.
- Fresh Garnish: Don’t skip the cilantro! It adds a fresh burst of flavor that brightens the dish. You can also add sliced avocados or a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
- Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Make a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg