Garlicky Tofu with Spinach Over Pasta

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this Garlicky Tofu with Spinach Over Pasta—a satisfying, plant-based dish that’s bursting with flavor and ready in just 35 minutes. Crispy golden tofu, coated in a savory soy sauce and garlic glaze, is paired with tender, wilted spinach to create a nutrient-packed topping for your favorite pasta. A hint of lemon juice brightens the dish, while optional red pepper flakes add a touch of heat for those who love an extra kick. Perfect for vegans and vegetarians, this recipe balances protein, greens, and carbs in a wholesome, one-pan preparation. Serve it warm, garnished with nutritional yeast for a cheesy note, and enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 14 oz firm tofu
• 8 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
• 6 cups baby spinach
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 10 cups water (for cooking pasta)

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel, place a heavy object on top (like a pan), and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to remove excess water.

Step 2

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3

Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 4

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 6

Add the spinach to the skillet a handful at a time, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down. Season with the remaining soy sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Return the tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat it in the garlicky spinach mixture.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water (1-2 tablespoons at a time) to help everything come together. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with nutritional yeast, if using. Toss to combine.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and black pepper, as needed.

Step 10

Divide the garlicky tofu and spinach pasta into serving bowls and garnish with additional red pepper flakes or nutritional yeast, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3335.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1235.6

Total Fat 63.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2545.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 111.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.1g	0%
Total Sugars 7.2g
Protein 65.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 838.4mg	0%
Iron 15.3mg	0%
Potassium 916.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.5%

Protein: 20.6%

Carbs: 34.9%