Tofu Pesto Pasta
Tofu Pesto Pasta is a delightful fusion of Japanese flavors and Italian cuisine, combining creamy tofu and fragrant basil pesto over al dente pasta. This vegetarian dish is not only vibrant and satisfying but also packed with nutrients.

25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Japanese
550 kcal
Ingredients
- Udon noodles - 200 grams
- Firm tofu - 150 grams
- Fresh basil leaves - 50 grams
- Pine nuts - 30 grams
- Garlic - 2 cloves
- Olive oil - 60 ml
- Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
- Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) - 20 grams
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper - to taste
Steps
- Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create the pesto.
- Cut the firm tofu into small cubes and pan-fry in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked udon noodles, pan-fried tofu, and the prepared pesto. Toss gently to coat the noodles and tofu evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 68 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
- Total Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- High in plant-based protein from tofu.
- Rich in healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts.
- Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from fresh basil.
Tags
JapaneseVegetarianPasta Dish