This Creamy High Protein Pepper Pasta Is Completely Vegan

This quick and easy vegan meal is packed full of protein

By

2 Minutes Read

Vegan recipe developer Madeleine Olivia eating vegan high protein pepper pasta, a high protein vegan dinner idea All the protein is hidden in the sauce - Media Credit: Clare Winfield

If you’re a week into Veganuary 2024 and have already had to deal with the age-old “but where do vegans get their protein?” question, you’ll be pleased to know there are a wide range of high protein vegan meals you can make. This high protein pepper pasta is just one example.

Despite what many people think, there are many plant-based protein sources. Legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, and various types of beans, are among the most protein-rich plant foods. They also provide dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Soy products like tofu, tempeh, and edamame are also excellent sources of protein and are hugely versatile.

The below vegan pasta recipe, which comes from plant-based recipe developer Madeleine Olivia, contains silken tofu and butter (lima) beans for its protein kick. It only takes 30 minutes to make, meaning it’s a perfect weeknight meal.

What is silken tofu?

The addition of tofu in a pasta sauce may at first seem unusual – but silken tofu is used in a wide variety of sauce recipes to give them a creaminess and extra boost of protein.

It’s a type of tofu characterized by its soft, smooth, and custard-like texture. It differs from regular tofu in its higher moisture content and delicate consistency. Made from soy milk, silken tofu is undrained and unpressed, resulting in a silky, almost jelly-like texture.

When pureed, silken tofu can seamlessly integrate into a variety of sauces, adding a creamy texture without the need for dairy products.

High protein pepper pasta recipe

One of the worries for people on a vegan diet is getting enough protein. While there are many ways we can get protein from a plant-based diet, one of my favourites is working tofu and beans into recipes. Silken tofu and butter (lima) beans are deliciously creamy, working perfectly for a pasta recipe. The roasted red (bell) peppers make it super simple too!
Vegan recipe developer Madeleine Olivia eating vegan high protein pepper pasta
No ratings yet
Duration30 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Prep Time5 minutes
Servings4

Ingredients

  • 350-400 g pasta (you can opt for high-protein legume pasta for additional protein, and to make it gluten-free, if you like)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced or used
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 450 g roasted red (bell) peppers (you can buy these in jars), drained and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 tin butter (lima) beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 tsp chilli (hot pepper) flakes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 100 ml vegetable stock
  • Grated zest and juice of ½ lemon
  • 350 g packet of silken tofu
Optional
  • Nutritional yeast or vegan cheese, for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  • Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil for the pasta. Once boiling, add the pasta and stir. Reduce the heat to a simmer for 8–10 minutes and cook the pasta until al dente, or according to the packet instructions.
  • Meanwhile, add the oil to another large pan over a medium heat, throw in the chopped onion and gently fry for 5–10 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for a minute or two.
  • Add the chopped peppers, butter beans, chilli flakes, oregano and vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer, heating through for around 5 minutes.
  • Add the lemon zest and juice, then transfer the sauce to a blender with the silken tofu and blitz until smooth. Alternatively, use a handheld blender. Return the sauce to the pan.
  • Once the pasta is ready, drain, saving a ladleful of the pasta water. Add the pasta and pasta water to the sauce and mix through. The pasta is perfect as it is, or with a yummy sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
— Once the sauce is blitzed, you can add any leftover vegetables
that you may have in the refrigerator.
— Swap the tofu for coconut cream for a different flavour.

This recipe was republished with permission from Make it Vegan by Madeleine Olivia, published by Hardie Grant. You can buy the book now.

More like this:

Become A Plant Based Chef with our 1000+ recipes! 🥦

We know it can be hard to keep cooking up tasty, exciting meals. So we thought of them for you! Browse our selection of vegan recipes below.

© 2024 Plant Based News is a mission-led impact media platform focused on elevating the plant-based diet and its benefit to human health, the planet, and animals. | Plant Based News Ltd, 869 High Road, London, United Kingdom, N12 8QA, United Kingdom.

buttons/scroll-to-top/scroll-to-top-small-active