Name: Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 red or yellow onion, chopped; 6 garlic cloves, peeled; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 pound frozen peas, thawed; 12 ounces silken tofu; 1 cup packed fresh basil, plus more for garnish; 2 cups pasta water; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound pasta of your choice; Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 12 reviews

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s vibrant, creamy, and packed with fresh flavors, you’re going to love this Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Cream Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those meals that sneaks in wholesome ingredients like peas and silken tofu, but tastes utterly indulgent — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend treat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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Why This Recipe Works

Bright, fresh flavors: The combination of sweet peas and fresh basil makes the sauce taste lively and vibrant, bringing life to your pasta.
Creamy yet dairy-free: Silken tofu creates an amazingly smooth sauce that’s rich without any cream or cheese, making it ideal for vegan eaters.
Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: With simple pantry staples plus a few fresh items, it’s a fuss-free recipe that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Flexible and forgiving: Whether you pick your favorite pasta shape or adjust seasonings, this dish is easy to customize to your liking.

Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Cream Sauce, vegan pasta recipes, healthy pea pasta dish, dairy-free pasta sauce, easy vegetarian pasta - 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

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Cream Sauce Recipe happens because of thoughtful ingredient choices that work synergistically. From the sweetness of thawed peas to the herbal pop of fresh basil, each component balances out creaminess and freshness. When shopping, look for good-quality silken tofu and fresh basil for the best results!

Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Cream Sauce, vegan pasta recipes, healthy pea pasta dish, dairy-free pasta sauce, easy vegetarian pasta - 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: A good base for sautéing that adds subtle fruity depth and helps carry flavors.
Red or yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and aromatic foundation when browned.
Garlic cloves: They bring that signature fragrant punch without overpowering the sauce.
Paprika: A touch creates warmth and gentle smokiness that enhances the peas’ natural sweetness.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs adds layers of herbal complexity fitting the pasta vibe.
Frozen peas: Convenient, naturally sweet, and vibrant green – the star of the dish.
Silken tofu: The secret creaminess without dairy or heaviness, blending beautifully to a smooth texture.
Fresh basil: Brings a bright, peppery freshness that lifts the whole sauce.
Pasta water: A cooking secret: the starchy water helps thin the sauce and makes it cling to pasta perfectly.
Pasta of choice: Pick your favorite variety to knit all these flavors together.
Salt and pepper: Essential finishing touches that elevate every bite.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat if you like an extra kick.

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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

This Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Cream Sauce Recipe is amazingly versatile, so don’t hesitate to personalize it. I often experiment with adding extra garlic for a punch or swapping in different pasta shapes depending on mood and pantry stock. The sauce easily adapts to your spice and texture preferences.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice: I love this for a zesty brightness that complements the creamy tofu.
Swap silken tofu with cashew cream: This is a great option for those wanting an even richer texture, though I find tofu easier and less pricey.
Try gluten-free or chickpea pasta: The sauce works just as well, so your dietary needs won’t cramp your style.
Spice it up: I sometimes sprinkle in a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne to amp up the warmth without overpowering the basil.

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

Step 1: Cook the pasta and save the water

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until just al dente — this keeps it from getting mushy once mixed with the sauce. Don’t forget to scoop out and reserve about 2 cups of that starchy pasta water before draining; it’s the secret ingredient that helps bind the sauce to the noodles and lets you adjust the creaminess exactly how you want.

Step 2: Build flavor with onions, garlic, and spices

Using the same pot (less cleanup, yay!), heat the olive oil over medium-high. Toss in your chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they’re golden and fragrant — watching closely so they don’t burn is key here. Then stir in paprika and Italian seasoning for just 10 seconds to release their aromatic goodness before adding peas. Cook those peas for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. If you see anything sticking or burning, splash in some pasta water to keep things moist.

Step 3: Blend everything until luscious and creamy

Transfer the sautéed mixture into a blender along with the silken tofu and fresh basil. Blend on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce feels silky-smooth — this step really makes the magic happen! Taste and season with salt and pepper, then blend for an extra minute to fully combine. Pour the sauce back into the pot and let it gently simmer on medium-low for another 5 minutes, stirring regularly. This warms the sauce through and helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Combine pasta and sauce, adjust to perfection

Pop the pasta back into the pot with the sauce and mix well. If you find the sauce thicker than you like, add reserved pasta water bit by bit until it reaches that perfect creamy consistency you’re craving. Give it one last taste for salt and pepper — this is your moment to tweak and wow.

Step 5: Serve and garnish

Dish up your glorious green pasta, top it with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Serve immediately and enjoy that dreamy blend of sweet, herbaceous, and creamy flavors with every bite!

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

Reserve the pasta water: Always save that water! It’s the key to adjusting your sauce’s texture on the fly and making it cling perfectly.
Don’t rush sautéing: Take your time browning the onion and garlic gently; it builds a flavorful foundation that shines through.
Use a high-speed blender: For the creamiest sauce, a good blender makes blending tofu with peas effortless, silky, and dreamy.
Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning gradually—particularly salt and pepper—to suit your palate without overpowering the fresh basil.

How to Serve Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Cream Sauce Recipe

Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Cream Sauce, vegan pasta recipes, healthy pea pasta dish, dairy-free pasta sauce, easy vegetarian pasta - 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

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with a handful of fresh basil leaves to amp the herbal fragrance. Sometimes I add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick, but if you want a savory crunch, toasting some pine nuts or walnut pieces on top works beautifully too. A little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil at the end never hurts to bring out those flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light salads like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables—think asparagus or cherry tomatoes—and crusty bread are fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve arranged the pasta in a shallow bowl topped with whole basil sprigs and a sprinkling of edible flowers for that wow factor. Serving it alongside colorful roasted veggies or a bright salad platter adds to the visual appeal. You can even pipe the sauce artistically over the pasta for a restaurant-style presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You’ll notice the sauce thickens after sitting, so just loosen it with a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Freezing

While you can freeze the sauce separately (without pasta) for up to a month, I’ve found freezing cooked pasta together sometimes affects its texture. So, I recommend freezing only the sauce and cooking fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Reheating

The best method I found is reheating gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or reserved pasta water, stirring often to keep the sauce creamy and avoid sticking. Microwave works too, but stirring halfway through helps even warming.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Cream Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh peas can add an even brighter and sweeter flavor, especially if they’re in season. Just boil them briefly before sautéing because fresh peas usually need a bit more cook time to soften compared to frozen ones.
Is silken tofu necessary for the cream sauce?

Silken tofu is key because it blends into a super smooth and creamy texture without any graininess. If you don’t have silken tofu on hand, you could substitute with cashew cream, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
How can I make this Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Cream Sauce Recipe spicy?

The easiest way is to sprinkle red pepper flakes on top when serving or mix a pinch into the sauce during cooking. For more heat, adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauté step works well too.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can blend the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, warm it gently on the stove and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Tofu Cream Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes I keep turning back to because it’s easy, nourishing, and bursts with fresh flavor — but best of all, it’s incredibly forgiving. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll find joy and comfort in every creamy bite. Give it a whirl in your kitchen and watch it become a new favorite—just like it did for me!