Easy Tofu Pasta (Scissor Cut) with Pesto, Peas, and Vegan Burrata Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines fresh, vibrant flavors with a comforting homemade touch, you absolutely must try this Easy Tofu Pasta (Scissor Cut) with Pesto, Peas, and Vegan Burrata Recipe. It’s a delightful way to enjoy tender, bite-sized tofu pasta pieces tossed in a luscious plant-based pesto sauce, bright green peas adding a pop of sweetness, and a creamy vegan burrata that melts beautifully on top. This recipe is a fantastic introduction to making pasta from scratch without any fancy equipment, highlighting how simple ingredients can come together for an impressive, nourishing meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential, each playing a key role in achieving the dish’s unique texture and flavor. From the silken tofu that gives the pasta its delicate softness to the vibrant peas and rich vegan burrata that complete the experience, every component counts.

• Silken tofu: This forms the base of your pasta dough, creating a tender and silky bite that’s different from traditional wheat pasta.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and elasticity to the dough, helping it hold together perfectly for scissor cutting.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of your dough and balances the pesto’s freshness.
• Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing shallots and building a flavorful sauce base without heaviness.
• Shallot: Adds a mild, sweet onion note that complements the pesto and peas beautifully.
• Plant-based pesto: Brings a zesty, herbaceous richness that ties the whole dish together.
• Peas: Offer pops of natural sweetness and vibrant color to liven up each forkful.
• Vegan burrata or cottage cheese: The creamy topping that adds indulgence and a luscious finish to the pasta.

How to Make Easy Tofu Pasta (Scissor Cut) with Pesto, Peas, and Vegan Burrata Recipe

Step 1: Create Your Tofu Pasta Dough

Start by combining silken tofu, all-purpose flour, and salt in a bowl. Use chopsticks or a fork to stir until the mixture begins to come together as a rough dough. Then switch to your palm and knead gently within the bowl. If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but aim for a soft, pliable consistency.

Step 2: Knead the Dough Smooth

Lightly flour your countertop or work surface, then transfer your dough there. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it reaches a medium-hard texture that springs back when pressed. This step ensures the dough has the right elasticity to hold up when cut and boiled.

Step 3: Refrigerate the Dough

Wrap your dough tightly with cling film and refrigerate it. This resting time helps relax the gluten and makes cutting easier, so your pasta pieces won’t lose shape during cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Pesto Sauce

Heat a frying pan on low and drizzle in vegetable oil. Add finely chopped shallots and sauté gently until translucent and fragrant. Toss in the peas and the plant-based pesto, stirring gently to combine, letting the flavors mingle as you move on to the next step.

Step 5: Bring Water to a Boil

Set a large pot of salted water on high heat so it can come to a rolling boil, ready for your handcrafted tofu pasta pieces.

Step 6: Cut the Dough Using Scissors

Retrieve your chilled dough and take a pair of clean scissors. Holding the dough steady, snip into it repeatedly to create bite-sized pasta pieces. This simple technique is fun and doesn’t require rolling or fancy tools, resulting in charming, rustic shapes perfect for holding sauce.

Step 7: Cook Your Tofu Pasta

Drop the cut pasta pieces into boiling water and cook for about 2 minutes. Keep an eye out so they don’t overcook. As soon as they float to the surface, drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water for saucing.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss your tofu pasta right into the pan with the pesto and peas. Add a few spoonfuls of the reserved pasta water and gently stir. This will create a glossy, silky sauce that clings perfectly to every morsel.

Step 9: Finish with Vegan Burrata

Plate your pasta warm and top with dollops of vegan burrata for creamy richness. Feel free to add a sprinkle of chopped chillies or fresh herbs to amp up the flavor. This step is where the dish truly comes alive with contrasting textures.

How to Serve Easy Tofu Pasta (Scissor Cut) with Pesto, Peas, and Vegan Burrata Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches like freshly cracked black pepper, a handful of toasted pine nuts, or a scattering of fresh basil leaves elevate this dish visually and crunch-wise. The creamy vegan burrata pairs beautifully with subtle hints of chili for those who enjoy a mild kick.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to keep things light and refreshing. A warm, crusty artisan bread also complements this pasta splendidly, perfect for sopping up any leftover pesto sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful presentation, try serving the pasta in shallow bowls with the vegan burrata scooped on top like little clouds. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and garnish with delicate microgreens for that restaurant-worthy wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover tofu pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the pasta and sauce separately if you can, to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft.

Freezing

This Easy Tofu Pasta (Scissor Cut) with Pesto, Peas, and Vegan Burrata Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the dough before cutting for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before cutting and cooking as usual.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or plant-based milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave to keep the texture of the tofu pasta intact.

FAQs

Can I use firm tofu instead of silken tofu for the pasta dough?

Firm tofu isn’t recommended here because silken tofu’s soft texture is key to creating a dough that’s tender and pliable enough for easy scissor cutting. Firm tofu won’t yield the same smooth dough consistency.

Is the pesto in this recipe always vegan?

It depends on the store-bought brand you choose—some contain cheese. Look for plant-based or vegan-certified pesto to keep this recipe completely vegan and delicious.

Can I make this pasta gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for elasticity. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delightful.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together after cooking?

Make sure to stir gently right after draining and toss in a little pasta water or olive oil to keep the pieces separate and glossy.

What can I use if I don’t have vegan burrata?

Soft vegan cream cheese or a drizzle of coconut cream make great alternatives that still add the creamy element to this dish.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Tofu Pasta (Scissor Cut) with Pesto, Peas, and Vegan Burrata Recipe is such a joy to make and enjoy, especially when you want something that feels both homemade and special without a fuss. It’s playful, fresh, and comforting all at once, and I truly can’t recommend it enough. Give it a try—you’ll love how these simple ingredients come together into something extraordinary!

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