Hey friend, if you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant, and surprisingly creamy pasta dish that’s both healthy and downright delicious, you’re in for a treat. I want to share my favorite Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Silken Tofu Recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with green goodness, and that silky tofu sauce? Game changer. Stick with me — I’ll walk you through everything so you nail this recipe and wow your taste buds every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Using everyday pantry staples with fresh basil makes this recipe accessible and bursting with flavor.
Creamy Yet Dairy-Free: The silken tofu blends into a velvety sauce that’s healthier but still indulgent.
Bright, Fresh Flavor: Fresh peas and basil give it that spring-fresh taste you’ll crave all year round.
Easy To Customize: You can tweak the seasoning or pasta type to fit your mood or what’s in your pantry.

Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Silken Tofu, healthy green pea pasta recipe, vegan pasta with tofu, easy plant-based pasta dish, quick vegetarian pasta dinner - 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

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Silken Tofu Recipe leans on fresh, simple ingredients that sing together beautifully. I always say, if your ingredients are good and treated right, the dish just works. Here’s what to look out for when you shop or prep:

Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds depth and richness to the sauce base as you sauté the aromatics.
Onion: I like to go with red or yellow for a nice sweetness and slight caramelized flavor.
Garlic: Loads of it — so it’s flavorful but not overwhelming, balanced perfectly in the sauce.
Paprika: Adds a warm smoky note without heat, which contrasts beautifully with the fresh peas.
Italian seasoning: This herb blend brings that classic Italian pasta vibe without fussing over individual herbs.
Frozen peas: Always keep frozen peas handy for this recipe. Thawing them gently preserves that bright green color and fresh flavor.
Silken tofu: Key secret weapon here — it makes the sauce lusciously creamy while keeping it plant-based and light.
Fresh basil: Fresh basil lifts the whole dish with herbaceous brightness — don’t skip it and grab a packed cup!
Pasta water: The reserved starchy water helps control sauce consistency and helps it cling beautifully to the noodles.
Pasta: Any kind you prefer — linguine, spaghetti, or a fun shape to scoop up sauce works perfectly.
Salt and pepper: To season at key points and bring all the flavors together.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you like a touch of heat.

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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

I love how versatile this Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Silken Tofu Recipe is — so feel free to make it your own. Personally, I like adding a pinch of lemon zest sometimes to brighten the sauce even more or swap out pasta shapes depending on my craving or pantry stash.

Add a citrus twist: I once tried tossing in a bit of lemon juice and zest right before serving—gave the sauce a fresh, tangy lift that I couldn’t stop sniffing over.
Try gluten-free pasta: If you’re gluten sensitive, a quality gluten-free pasta works beautifully with the creamy green pea sauce without losing texture.
Heat it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes when serving or stir in a small diced chili for a bold twist; I usually keep it mild for family dinners.
Extra protein: If you want more, stir in some cooked chickpeas or your favorite grilled veggie for more texture and heartiness.

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

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Just Right

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions, but here’s my pro tip: aim for al dente. That little bit of firmness means the noodles won’t get mushy once you toss them with the sauce. Before draining, scoop out and set aside 2 cups of that starchy pasta water — it’s gold for adjusting the sauce texture later. Set the pasta aside in a colander so it drains well.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Onion, Garlic, and Spices

In the same pot you cooked your pasta in, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high. Toss in your chopped onion and whole garlic cloves, stirring until they start to brown and get fragrant — this usually takes about 5 minutes. Then sprinkle in your paprika and Italian seasoning, stir quickly, and cook for just 10 seconds so the spices toast but don’t burn. This base sets the flavor groundwork you want in your sauce.

Step 3: Cook Peas & Blend Sauce

Add your thawed peas and stir them into the onion and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly to keep everything from sticking or burning (if needed, splash in some pasta water). Then, remove the whole mixture from the pot and transfer it to a blender. Add silken tofu and fresh basil on top, then blend on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper, then blend for another minute to combine everything perfectly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together & Serve

Pour your creamy sauce back into that pot and warm on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. This steady simmer lets the flavors marry well. Add back the drained pasta and toss to coat it evenly with your lovely green sauce. If the sauce feels too thick for your liking (happens sometimes!), just stir in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it’s just right. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh basil and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for a little pop of heat.

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

Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t skip saving pasta water — it’s magic for loosening the sauce and helps it cling to pasta like a charm.
Use Silken Tofu Wisely: Make sure you use silken tofu, not firm, for that silky texture. I’ve tried regular tofu and it just doesn’t get as creamy.
Fresh Basil Finish: Add fresh basil both in the sauce and as a garnish — the double hit of herb flavor really enhances the dish.
Don’t Burn the Aromatics: Keep the heat moderate when sautéing onion and garlic, stirring often, or your sauce will taste bitter. A splash of water helps if it looks like sticking.

How to Serve Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Silken Tofu Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this pasta dish with a few extra torn basil leaves and a light pinch of red pepper flakes. That adds a lovely fresh aroma and just a touch of heat to balance the creaminess. Sometimes I also sprinkle toasted pine nuts for crunch, but fresh basil is my go-to every time.

Side Dishes

This green pea pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a simple tomato cucumber salad for a fresh summer meal. I also love serving it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots — the subtle sweetness complements the creamy sauce really well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, try plating the pasta in neat nests on warm plates, garnished with a basil leaf and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You can even serve it in hollowed-out tomatoes or small bowls of puff pastry for a wow factor at your next gathering. I threw a lemon wedge on the side once, and guests loved squeezing it for extra bright zest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually stays fresh for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken after chilling, so just loosen it up with a splash of water or broth while reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this pasta with the tofu sauce is doable but not my favorite — the texture can change slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze, keep the pasta and sauce separate and thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, do it gently over low heat on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often. Add a little reserved pasta water or a splash of plant milk to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Fresh peas can add an even brighter, sweeter flavor. Just blanch them quickly before using to keep their vibrant color and tender-crisp texture.
Is silken tofu necessary, or can I substitute with something else?

Silken tofu is what gives this sauce its signature creaminess without dairy. If you don’t have it, you could try blending cooked cauliflower or cashews, but the texture and taste will be different.
How do I make sure the sauce is smooth and creamy?

Using a high-speed blender helps break everything down perfectly. Blend for at least 2-3 minutes until silky. If you use a food processor, you might need more blending time or added liquid for smoothness.
Can I make this Green Pea Pasta recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it separately from the pasta. When ready, gently reheat, toss with freshly cooked pasta, and serve for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

I honestly love this Green Pea Pasta with Basil and Silken Tofu Recipe because it’s one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together so easily — perfect for busy weeknights or impressing friends without stress. The creamy, vibrant sauce proves plant-based eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. If you give it a try, let me know how you customize it or what tips helped you most! I’m betting you’ll want to make it again and again, just like I do.