Ziti all'Amatriciana

(Photo -  A Vegan Tour of Italy! - Baked Ziti, Fettuccine Alfredo, homemade Pizza and Herb & Garlic Olive Oil for Dipping )

• 2 ounces Ziti
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 package of Hickory Smoked Tofurky Slices ( or vegan Bacon substitute )
• 1 package of Firm Tofu ( drained and mashed )
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 pound cherry tomatoes, (or canned cherry tomatoes) chopped (about 3 cups)
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves
• 3/4 cup Nutritional Yeast

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the Torfurky and sauté until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer Tofurky to paper towels to drain (do not clean skillet). Reserve for garnish. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to same skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté about 2 minutes. Add onion, Tofu and remaining Torfurky; sauté until onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes; simmer 6 minutes. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid. Return pasta to same pot. Add tomato sauce and nutritional yeast to pasta and toss, adding some of reserved pasta cooking liquid if dry. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer pasta to bowl. Sprinkle with reserved Tofurky and serve.