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+ servings
Vegan cheesy pasta with panko Cajun tempeh
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Duration1 hr 10 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Prep Time30 mins
Servings4

Ingredients

For the Tempeh
  • 8 oz tempeh
  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 cup water, as needed
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning
  • olive oil
For the Pasta
  • 3/4 lb pasta, penne
  • 2 tbsp vegan butter
  • 1 shallot, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely diced
  • 1 sprig rosemary, finely diced
  • red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 cup broth
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk, unsweeteened
  • 4 oz vegan cream cheese
  • pepper, to taste
  • parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Combine the tahini, vinegar, mustard, lemon juice, oregano, garlic salt & pepper in a bowl. Stir to combine and add water as needed to thin. Add the tempeh to the bowl and toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes.
  • Combine the panko and cajun seasoning in a shallow bowl. Coat the tempeh pieces in the panko being sure to remove most of the tahini from each piece.*** Transfer to a plate.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta and drain 2 minutes earlier than the instructions call for.
  • Place the pot back on the stove and melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the shallot, garlic, rosemary & red pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the tomato paste and cajun seasoning and cook for an additional minute. Add the broth, non-dairy milk & vegan cream cheese. Whisk until combined and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer while you prepare the tempeh.
  • Heat some olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the tempeh and cook until browned on both sides – being careful when flipping and lowering heat if needed. Turn heat to low, while you finish the pasta.
  • Add the pasta to the sauce with a handful of parsley and pepper. Stir until the pasta finishes cooking and the sauce has thickened about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. To serve, plate the pasta with tempeh pieces, parsley and pepper.