Spicy Italian Tempeh “Sausage” Pasta

Step 1

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Step 2

Combine all tempeh sausage ingredients (except tempeh) into a small bowl. Whisk together with a fork and set aside.

Step 3

Cut your block of tempeh into 4 strips, lengthwise. Next, on a diagonal, cut each strip into bite sized pieces (like you would slicing up a sausage into oblong coin-like pieces).

Step 4

Start cooking your pasta, according to package directions. Drain and set aside. If it starts to clump together before you mix with the sauce, run hot water over it to separate the noodles right before mixing with your sauce.

Step 5

Next, over medium high heat, add your tempeh and sauce to a large frying pan. Cover with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a high simmer and allow all liquid to boil off, approximately 20-30 minutes.

Step 6

(If you’re using a store bought sauce, skip steps 6 and Meanwhile, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium high heat. Once heated, add your onion and saute for about 2 mintues. Add your garlic and cook an additional 2-3 minutes, until both garlic and onion are translucent and fragrant.

Step 7

Next add tomatoes to the olive oil  and reduce to a simmer to cook down, approx 10-15 minutes. You want this to cook down into a chunky sauce.

Step 8

When your sauce is the desired consistency, add the tempeh sausage to the sauce. Finish with the fresh basil and adjust the flavor with any extra salt, pepper or chili flakes if needed.

Step 9

Finish by tossing the noodles in the sauce, stir to combine well and serve!