Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Pan Seared Paprika Tofu

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Garlic parmesan orzo is a 30-minute meal starring orzo pasta in a creamy, cheesy, garlick sauce. Top it with this pan-seared paprika tofu for a super easy dinner. (gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free options)




close-up of garlic parmesan orzo in the pan with the crispy tofu


This is a vegan version of creamy garlic parmesan sauce pasta topped with crispy paprika-grilled tofu. A creamy garlicky sauce with pasta and crisp protein is comfort food any day.



Instead of more conventional pasta, orzo is used. You can use any cooked pasta here. The sauce is the star, and the smoky crisp tofu balances out the flavor and adds protein!







Instead of chicken, slices of tofu are coated in a delicious mix of spices and flavors. They get crisped up on a skillet, sliced, and resemble chicken.



The crust tastes like chicken, but the inside has a different texture. They look and taste great on their own or served with orzo mixed with creamy, garlicky, cheesy sauce.




plate of crispy tofu


The whole dish is easy and comes together quickly. With just a few ingredients, everything cooks in about half an hour. This is an easy weeknight meal full of flavor!



You can change up the flavors by adjusting the herbs added to the sauce and tofu.


You have the option to substitute Cajun spice for the listed spices in the tofu and choose different herbs for the sauce, such as Italian herbs, oregano, basil, etc. The pan-seared tofu complements the creamy sauce perfectly. You have the option to either keep the tofu slices as they are or shape them into chicken-like slices by trimming the edges. Alternatively, you can cube or tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces for use in the recipe.

Ingredients




  • Orzo: Use gluten-free orzo for a gluten-free option.


  • Tofu: Substitute with chickpea tofu, pumpkin seed tofu, seitan, soy-free vegan chicken, or chickpeas for a soy-free option.


  • Dried spices: Customize the spice mix for the tofu and sauce to your liking.


  • Oil or vegan butter: For sautéing garlic and onions.


  • Vegan cream cheese: Use non-dairy cream, cashew cream, or non-dairy yogurt as alternatives.


  • Flour: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.


  • Spinach: Use your favorite veggies or roasted veggies as substitutes.


  • Vegan cheese: For a dairy-free cheesy flavor.


  • Fresh parsley: Substitute with basil or oregano for garnish.




💡Tips




  • Boil water for the orzo while preparing the tofu to save time.


  • For a creamier sauce, stir in non-dairy yogurt or cream at the end of cooking.




How to Make Garlic Parmesan Orzo



Boil water, cook orzo, and set aside. Slice and coat tofu in spices, then pan-sear until golden. Sauté garlic and onions, add spices, non-dairy cream, and flour mixture. Stir in spinach and cooked orzo, then simmer. Serve with crispy tofu slices on top.



garlic parmesan orzo in the pan with the crispy tofuWhat to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Orzo

This 30-minute meal features creamy, cheesy, garlicky orzo pasta topped with pan-seared paprika tofu. It's a delicious dish that can stand alone or pair perfectly with cheesy garlic breadsticks!




garlic parmesan orzo on a plate with crispy tofu



Frequently Asked Questions





Is this recipe allergy friendly?

For a nut-free version, use nut-free non-dairy cream cheese and vegan parmesan. To make it gluten-free, opt for gluten-free orzo and substitute cornstarch for the flour in the sauce. For a soy-free option, consider using soy-free proteins like chickpea tofu, pumpkin seed tofu, seitan, or soy-free vegan chicken, or replace with cooked chickpeas/beans.




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