Quick & Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta with Spicy Chili Tofu (30-Minute Fall Recipe)

Quick & Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta with Spicy Chili Tofu (30-Minute Fall Recipe)

Get ready for the ultimate cozy comfort in a bowl! This Easy Vegan Pumpkin Spaghetti with Spicy Chili Tofu is your perfect autumnal delight, ideal for a bustling weeknight dinner or a fun, plant-based meal during the Halloween season. If you're searching for "What's a delicious and healthy vegan dinner idea for fall?" or "How can I make a quick dairy-free Halloween meal?", your search ends here!

This recipe masterfully transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that's sure to impress. Users on abillion rave about it, with one exclaiming, "🤩😍🤤 that looks and sounds so good!" and another sharing, "Looks delicious!" It's a fantastic way to enjoy the rich, earthy goodness of pumpkin and the satisfying texture of spicy tofu, all in one nourishing meal. This dish is naturally dairy-free and egg-free, with easy options to make it gluten-free too!

Why You'll Love This Quick Vegan Meal

  • Ready in under 30 minutes: Perfectly suited for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast.
  • Seasonal & Festive: Captures the rich, comforting essence of pumpkin, making it ideal for autumn and Halloween gatherings.
  • High-Protein & Satisfying: Features crispy, spicy tofu, ensuring a fulfilling and nourishing plant-based dinner.
  • Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level of the chili tofu to match your preference.
  • Dietary-Friendly: A superb choice for anyone seeking delicious vegan, dairy-free, and potentially gluten-free meal options.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Pumpkin Spaghetti

For the Spicy Chili Tofu

Equipment

    • Large pot for pasta
    • Large skillet or non-stick pan
    • Whisk
    • Spatula

Image of Ingredients

Ingredients for Vegan Pumpkin Spaghetti with Spicy Chili Tofu laid out visually on a rustic wooden table, showcasing pumpkin puree, spaghetti, tofu, and various spices.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tofu: Gently press the tofu to remove any excess water. Cut it into 1/2-inch cubes. In a medium bowl, combine the tofu cubes with soy sauce (or tamari), sriracha, chili flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss well to ensure all the tofu is coated.
  2. Cook the Tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned tofu in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until each side is golden brown and delightfully crispy. Remove the cooked tofu from the pan and set it aside.
  3. Cook the Spaghetti: While the tofu is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  4. Make the Pumpkin Sauce: Using the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Whisk in the pumpkin puree, plant milk, and nutritional yeast until smooth. Season the creamy sauce with salt, black pepper, and an optional pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
  5. Combine & Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the pumpkin sauce in the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat all the noodles in the rich sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add splashes of the reserved pasta water until your desired creamy consistency is achieved. Finally, gently stir in the crispy chili tofu.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or sage for a touch of freshness. Enjoy your vibrant, delicious, and easy vegan meal!

Variations & Adaptations for Every Palate

This versatile recipe can be easily tweaked to fit various dietary preferences or to simply add a new twist:

  • Gluten-Free Option: Simply use certified gluten-free spaghetti and tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Boost the Veggies: Sauté some fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, or vibrant bell peppers with the garlic before adding the pumpkin puree for extra nutrition and delightful texture.
  • Creamier Sauce: For an even richer, more decadent sauce, stir in a tablespoon of vegan butter or a splash of coconut cream to the pumpkin mixture.
  • Smoky Flavor: A dash of smoked paprika in the tofu marinade or the pumpkin sauce can add a wonderfully deep, smoky dimension.
  • Nut-Free: Ensure your chosen plant milk is nut-free (such as oat milk or soy milk) if you're avoiding nuts.

Tips & Hacks for the Perfect Dish

  • Pressing Tofu is Key: Do not skip pressing the tofu! This crucial step removes excess water, allowing the tofu to absorb more flavor from the marinade and achieve that irresistibly crispy texture. You can use a dedicated tofu press or simply wrap it in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for 15-30 minutes.
  • Crispy Tofu Secret: For an extra crispy exterior on your tofu, consider tossing it with a teaspoon of cornstarch after marinating but before cooking. This creates a light, golden coating.
  • Don't Overcook Pasta: Cook your spaghetti until it's al dente (firm to the bite). It will continue to cook slightly when it’s tossed with the warm pumpkin sauce, preventing a mushy texture.
  • Pumpkin Puree vs. Fresh Pumpkin: While canned pumpkin puree is incredibly convenient and time-saving, roasting and pureeing your own fresh pumpkin can impart an even richer, deeper flavor to the sauce.
  • Make Ahead Tips: The creamy pumpkin sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The chili tofu is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness, so cook that just before serving.

Related Articles

Explore more delicious plant-based recipes and culinary inspiration from abillion:


We hope you enjoy making this festive and flavorful Vegan Pumpkin Spaghetti with Spicy Chili Tofu! If you create this amazing recipe, be sure to share your culinary masterpiece on abillion and let us know what you think. Your feedback truly inspires our vibrant community!


. . .


Your go-to app for all things vegan


Suggested Articles

See all
Easy & Flavorful Vegan Tofu Bolognese: A Quick, High-Protein Weeknight Meal
RECIPESEasy & Flavorful Vegan Tofu Bolognese: A Quick, High-Protein Weeknight MealDiscover our easy and flavorful vegan tofu bolognese recipe! Perfect for a quick, high-protein weeknight meal. This dairy-free & gluten-free friendly dish transforms marinated tofu into a hearty, savory pasta sauce.
Quick & Easy High-Protein Vegan Two-Bean Chili: A 30-Minute Hearty Meal
RECIPESQuick & Easy High-Protein Vegan Two-Bean Chili: A 30-Minute Hearty MealWhip up a satisfying & high-protein Vegan Two-Bean Chili in just 30 minutes! This easy, hearty plant-based recipe featuring TVP, black beans, & pinto beans is perfect for quick, healthy weeknight meals. Get the full recipe on abillion.
RECIPESEasy & Flavorful Vegan Tofu Bolognese: A Quick, High-Protein Weeknight MealDiscover our easy and flavorful vegan tofu bolognese recipe! Perfect for a quick, high-protein weeknight meal. This dairy-free & gluten-free friendly dish transforms marinated tofu into a hearty, savory pasta sauce.
Easy & Flavorful Vegan Tofu Bolognese: A Quick, High-Protein Weeknight Meal
RECIPESQuick & Easy High-Protein Vegan Two-Bean Chili: A 30-Minute Hearty MealWhip up a satisfying & high-protein Vegan Two-Bean Chili in just 30 minutes! This easy, hearty plant-based recipe featuring TVP, black beans, & pinto beans is perfect for quick, healthy weeknight meals. Get the full recipe on abillion.
Quick & Easy High-Protein Vegan Two-Bean Chili: A 30-Minute Hearty Meal

Responses

Get abillion app