Chick'n Parmesan
with Penne Pomodoro
Traditional chicken parmesan, with its crispy exterior, sweet tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella topping, and nutty, rich flavor, is one of life's most cherished, comforting treats. We swap tender tofu cutlets in for chicken and add nutritional yeast to the cornstarch coating for extra "cheesy" flavor in this plant-based rendition.
Nutrition (per serving)
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INGREDIENTS
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 27.52 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato powder
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (divided)
- 4 oz gluten-free penne pasta
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 10 oz organic extra firm tofu, cut into 4 planks
- 2 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp vegan parmesan
- 1 tbsp olive oil*
- 2 tsp vegetable oil*
- Salt*
- Pepper*
Nutrition (per serving)
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INSTRUCTIONS
Move oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 450°F. Bring medium saucepan of salted water to boil for pasta. In separate medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Cook garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato powder, Italian seasoning, just ⅛ tsp red pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until sauce begins to thicken, 3 to 5 minutes; set aside. (4-servings: use 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp red pepper)
Meanwhile, add pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Whisk together cornstarch, nutritional yeast, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper on plate. Press tofu in cornstarch mixture to coat. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook coated tofu until golden brown and crispy, 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer to baking sheet, top each cutlet with just 2 tbsp tomato sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella. Roast until cheese is melted and crispy on edges, 8 to 10 minutes. (4-servings: use 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, ¼ cup vegetable oil)
Return cooked noodles to remaining sauce in saucepan and stir over low heat until warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. Divide penne pomodoro and chick'n parmesan between serving plates and sprinkle with parmesan and as many remaining red pepper flakes as you'd like. Buon appetito!