Cheap Eats: Tofu-Ricotta Pasta

Published April 1, 2009 by PETA Staff. Last Updated November 7, 2019.

I promise that I’m not obsessed with tofu, it’s just that when you’re trying to eat on the cheap, tofu is a great protein option. This weekend, I purchased some 19-oz. packages of tofu (4 servings) for only $1.19 each at a national grocery chain. After pan-frying the first package to use in an Asian-inspired dish and on an easy-to-make lunchtime salad, I decided to go a very different route with the second block of tofu.

Mashing tofu and adding a handful of ingredients such as lemon juice, basil, salt, and garlic leads to a tasty ricotta-style tofu. Many people use tofu ricotta on pizza or in lasagna, but I like to bake it with cooked pasta, such as penne, and plain store-bought marinara sauce.

Let’s see…the tofu cost $1.19, a box of pasta can be purchased for a dollar, and a decent jar of marinara sauce can be purchased for about $2.50. So, for less than 5 bucks, you can have a tasty and simple meal that can feed four. Enjoy!

Tofu-Ricotta Pasta
1 lb. firm tofu, drained
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. dried basil
3/4 tsp. salt
1 clove garlic, minced, or 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 lb. cooked pasta
1 jar marinara sauce

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Place the tofu in a large mixing bowl and mash until the entire block is in medium-sized chunks.
Add the remaining ingredients, except for the pasta and sauce, and stir until just combined.
Pour the pasta into a casserole dish, top with the amount of marinara sauce desired, then cover with the tofu ricotta.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Makes 4 servings