High-Protein Vegan Rosé Pasta

Looking for a creamy, dreamy rosé pasta sauce that’s vegan, high in protein, and bursting with roasted flavour? This High-Protein Vegan Rosé Sauce is for you! This sauce is made with tofu and coconut milk, and packed with plant-based protein for a rich and silky smooth taste. Plus, roasting the red peppers and cherry tomatoes brings out a natural sweetness that takes this dish to the next level.

This pasta is a great option for making a cozy dinner or the perfect date-night dish by adding heart-shaped pasta (hello, Barilla ❤️). Either way, this sauce is a must-try!

What Makes This Rosé Sauce High-Protein? 💪

Many vegan pasta sauces rely on cashews for creaminess, but we’re using tofu for a protein boost! Tofu adds plant-based protein and creates a creamy texture when blended. Silken tofu is most commonly used when adding to sauces but I can confirm that firm tofu works too!

Want EVEN MORE protein? Say no more. Try adding some plant-based sausage crumble to your pasta. It adds protein, texture, and a deliciously smokey bite. I’ve made this recipe using Beyond Meat Sausages (the breakfast version) and simply crumbled them in a pan and sautéed until browned.

And while the tofu alone makes this pasta creamy, the coconut milk helps enhance the creaminess while adding richness. And let’s not forget the nutritional yeast, which brings the umami, cheesy flavour while adding extra nutrients.

This sauce pairs perfectly with your favourite pasta, making it a well-balanced, high-protein meal. Let’s get into the details so you can get to making this creamy and dreamy pasta!

Looking for more pasta recipes? Click here. Or, if you’re looking for other delicious main dishes, try these tasty recipes!

Adding Extra Love to This High-protein Vegan Rosé Pasta

You may use any type of pasta shape for this dish, but I wanted to make this extra special and festive for Valentine’s Day and used Barilla’s Heart-Shaped pasta. These little hearts are not only aesthetically pleasing, but their unique shape allows them to hold extra sauce, making every bite extra creamy and delicious.

The heart-shaped pasta is a limited edition that Barilla releases before Valentine’s Day. It tends to go fast, so keep your eyes peeled at the beginning of February to ensure you get your hands on some!

High-protein Vegan Rosé Sauce Ingredients

Roasted Veggies For the Sauce

• 1 red bell pepper, halved and deseeded
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt & pepper to taste

Other Sauce Ingredients

• ½ cup firm tofu, crumbled
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (or plant milk of choice)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• splash of water
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 8 oz heart-shaped pasta (or any pasta of choice)
• Fresh basil for garnish

Optional:

• 1-1/2 cups of plant-based sausage crumble
• 1 cup spinach

Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place red bell pepper (cut-side down), cherry tomatoes, and garlic on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt & pepper, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and slightly charred.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

1. In a blender, combine tofu, roasted red pepper, cherry tomatoes, garlic, coconut milk, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper and garlic salt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy and adjust seasonings to taste

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

1. In a pan over medium heat, add tomato paste, basil, oregano, parsley, chili flakes and a splash of water, cooking for a few moments. Next pour in the blended sauce.
2. Add salt and pepper and adjust seasonings.
3. Simmer for 5-10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta & Serve

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Toss pasta in the sauce, adding a bit of pasta water if needed for consistency.
3. Add in plant-based sausage and spinach and stir.
4. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!

Customization & Tips

Add other veggies: Feel free to experiment with different veggies by adding sauteeing them tomato paste.

Extra Protein: Swap the plant-based sausage for other plant-based meats, such as chicken or even lentils, for a different flavour.

Spice Level: Add extra chili flakes or add some chili oil with the tomato paste for an extra bite!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use silken tofu instead of firm tofu?

Yes! Silken tofu will make the sauce even smoother, but it won’t have as much protein as firm tofu.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free! Just pair it with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

What’s the best way to store leftover sauce?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I use another plant-based milk instead of coconut milk?

Yes! Unsweetened oat, soy, or almond milk all work, but coconut milk gives the best creamy texture.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jenna | Vegan Food and Lifestyle (@that_chickpea)

Final Thoughts

This High-Protein Vegan Rosé Pasta is proof that you can enjoy a creamy, indulgent pasta dish while still hitting your protein goals! Whether you’re using heart-shaped or regular pasta, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Would you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments! And if you make it, tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!

Heads up: My posts may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, I’ll get a small commission. But don’t worry – you won’t pay any extra for that. It just helps support me so I can continue making content for you 💕. Thanks!