One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Crispy Tofu Crumbles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, plant-powered pasta dish with a rich tomato sauce and crispy tofu, ready in 30 minutes. This italian-inspired one pot (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 block (14 oz) pressed and crumbled firm tofu, cooking for 8 minutes until golden brown and crisp around the edges, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with tofu, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 cup vegetable broth, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add drained penne to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Crispy Tofu Crumbles take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Crispy Tofu Crumbles?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Crispy Tofu Crumbles?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Crispy Tofu Crumbles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Crispy Tofu Crumbles vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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