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Pesto Cauliflower Pasta topped with crispy breaded tofu, a healthy meal option.

Pesto-Cauliflower Pasta with Easy Breaded Tofu

A delightful dish combining nutty pesto with crispy breaded tofu and tender cauliflower, perfect for families and friends.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Vegan
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Breaded Tofu
  • 14 ounces extra-firm tofu (cut into ½-inch cubes) Use extra-firm tofu for best texture.
  • 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • ¾ cup fine dry bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (crushed)
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (crushed)
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • Olive oil (for pan-frying; spray works great)
For the Pasta and Cauliflower
  • 8 ounces linguine
  • 1 medium head cauliflower (1½ to 2 pounds, cut into small florets)
  • 1 cup Bestest Pesto

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large 4-quart pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta and cauliflower.
  2. Preheat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat, preferably using a cast iron skillet.
  3. Pour tamari or soy sauce onto a rimmed dinner plate.
  4. On another plate, mix bread crumbs, garlic powder, dried thyme, rosemary, and basil.
  5. Toss tofu cubes in the tamari until well-coated, then dredge them in the bread crumb mixture.
  6. Set the breaded tofu aside and repeat the process until all cubes are coated.
Cooking
  1. Add a thin layer of olive oil to the hot pan and gently place the breaded tofu cubes into the pan without crowding.
  2. Cook for approximately 7 minutes, flipping cautiously until golden brown.
  3. Once the water is boiling, add the linguine to the pot.
  4. After 4 minutes, add the cauliflower florets to the pot.
  5. Continue cooking for about 8 more minutes until the pasta is al dente and the cauliflower is tender.
  6. Drain everything into a colander and return the pasta and cauliflower to the warm pot.
  7. Stir in the pesto until the pasta is glossy and well-coated.
  8. Divide the dish into bowls and top with the crispy breaded tofu before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, incorporate freshly squeezed lemon juice into the pesto before mixing. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bread crumb mixture for heat. Allow tofu to sit for 15 minutes after dredging to improve coating adhesion.