Instant Pot tofu and pasta (with spinach)
This Instant pot tofu and pasta recipe with spinach in a cream sauce can be made in 25 minutes for an easy and healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
 | 1 lb of pasta (500 g) – any type of pasta like spaghetti or tagliatelle, or even whole wheat pasta. |
 | 1/2 pound of tofu (250 g) – Extra firm tofu that will cook well and not dissolve |
 | 2 cups of fresh baby spinach or regular spinach |
 | 1 cup of any type of heavy cream, crême fraiche, or plain greek yogurt. |
 | pinch of garlic powder or flakes will add flavor |
 | 2 tablespoons of olive oil to cook the tofu |
 | (Optional) 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese |
 | Pinch of salt and pepper |
How to make pasta with tofu in the Instant pot
- Wrap the tofu in an absorbent paper and press it under something heavy for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Chop the tofu into small vertical cubes for even cooking.
- Place the uncooked spaghetti and spinach into the Instant Pot and pour in enough water to fully cover the pasta.
- Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Close the lid and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 2 minutes. (If using whole wheat pasta, add 1 extra minute.)
- Heat olive oil in a separate pan and sauté the tofu for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
- Quick release the pressure when the timer ends.
- Open the lid and stir in the tofu, fresh spinach, cream, and optional Parmesan.
- Press the Sauté button on the Instant pot for 2 minutes to combine and allow everything to blend into the spaghetti.
- Serve warm.
Pasta is probably one of the things that you can easily prepare at home. Not to mention it is always fun to experiment with different ingredients and sauces, to keep dinner interesting.
Whether you are vegetarian full-time or just trying to incorporate more vegetarian recipes into your diet for meat-free Mondays, tofu and pasta is always a firm favorite.
Tofu is a great source of protein and when combined with spinach and pasta in a creamy sauce, this is a meal that is rich and full of flavor. And have I mentioned that it is very quick to make, especially in the Instant pot?
Now pasta can overcook in the Instant pot, so you do have pay close attention to it and Quick Release once the Instant pot beep sounds. You can read more about how to avoid overcooking pasta in the Instant pot here.
Cooking tips
- If you use whole wheat pasta, add one minute to the Instant pot cooking time.
- Pasta cooks quickly in the Instant pot, so be sure to quick release the pressure as soon as the Instant pot finishes cooking.
- Don’t skip the part about removing excess moisture from the tofu. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a towel or paper towels, then placing it on a plate and weighing it down with something heavy, like a cast iron pan. Leave it to press for at least 5 minutes, or longer if you have time.
Similar recipes
Instant pot tofu and pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb of spaghetti pasta (500 g)
- 1/2 pound of tofu (250 g)
- 2 cups of fresh spinach
- 1 cup of crême fraiche, heavy cream or greek yogurt
- pinch of garlic powder
- 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- pinch of salt and pepper
- 5 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions
- Wrap the tofu in an absorbent towel and set something heavy on top, to press out extra moisture for 5 minutes.
- Chop the tofu into small vertical cubes that make for easy cooking.
- Place the uncooked spaghetti into the Instant pot along with the spinach, and add water until the pasta is covered.
- Add the garlic powder, salt and pepper to Instant pot.
- Close the Instant pot and cook at Manual high pressure for 2 minutes. (If using whole wheat pasta, add one more minute to the Instant pot cooking time.)
- In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the tofu for 5 minutes, flipping occasionally to cook on all sides.
- After the Instant Pot timer ends, quick release the steam.
- Open the instant pot and add the tofu, fresh spinach, and cream (and optional parmesan) into the mix.
- Press the sauté button on the Instant pot with the tofu and pasta for 2 minutes to let it blend completely into the spaghetti.
- Serve while warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note: We are not certified nutritionists and these estimates written and produced for entertainment purposes only.
What to serve with it?
You can serve tofu and pasta with a starter like roasted tomatoes as a starter or a light salad with vinaigrette. Another option is homemade bruschetta salsa.
How to store it?
Tofu and pasta is not a dish that freezes very well, because the tofu absorbs water and doesn’t taste as well. However, if you do want to freeze it, let it cool completely and place it in an airtight glass container.
