Follow Me On Social Media!
Vegan Marry Me “Chicken” Pasta with Crispy Tofu (Creamy, Romantic & Dairy-Free)
If you’ve ever tried the viral “Marry Me” pasta and wondered how to make it completely plant-based without sacrificing flavor, you’re in the right place. This Vegan Marry Me “Chicken” Pasta with Crispy Tofu delivers all the creamy, savory, slightly tangy magic of the original — but without dairy, meat, or compromise.
The secret? Golden, crispy tofu cubes that mimic tender “chicken,” simmered in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce made with coconut milk (or cashew cream), garlic, Italian herbs, and a hint of chili flakes. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with fresh basil, this is the kind of dinner that feels restaurant-worthy — yet it’s easy enough for a weeknight.
Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself, this vegan marry me pasta might just earn you a proposal.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Marry Me Pasta
- Completely dairy-free and plant-based
- High-protein thanks to crispy tofu
- Creamy, bold, and comforting
- Perfect for meal prep
- Ready in about 45 minutes
- Easily customizable
This is the ultimate plant-based comfort food dinner that tastes indulgent but feels balanced.
Ingredients
For the Crispy “Chicken” Tofu:
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Marry Me Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (or cashew cream)
- ¾ cup unsweetened plant milk
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Optional: vegan parmesan for topping
Instructions
1. Press and Prep the Tofu
Drain and press the tofu for at least 15–20 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy edges. Once pressed, cut into bite-sized cubes.
In a bowl, toss tofu with cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Crispy Tofu
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook 8–10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
4. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet used for tofu, add olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes and sun-dried tomatoes.
Add oregano, basil, thyme, and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.
Pour in coconut milk and plant milk. Stir in nutritional yeast and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Thicken and Balance
Let sauce simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper.
If sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
6. Combine Everything
Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Fold in crispy tofu gently to avoid breaking it.
Simmer together for 2–3 minutes so flavors meld.
7. Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil and optional vegan parmesan. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Vegan Marry Me “Chicken” Pasta with Crispy Tofu
A creamy dairy-free pasta featuring crispy tofu in a rich sun-dried tomato garlic sauce — perfect for a romantic plant-based dinner.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Press and cube tofu, then coat with cornstarch and seasonings.
- Pan-fry tofu in olive oil until golden and crispy.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Prepare creamy sun-dried tomato sauce in skillet.
- Combine pasta, sauce, and crispy tofu.
- Garnish with basil and serve warm.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add reserved pasta water as needed.
What Makes This “Marry Me” Worthy?
The original “Marry Me” pasta became famous for its creamy sauce and bold Italian-inspired flavors. This vegan version keeps that same romantic profile:
- Garlic-forward richness
- Tangy sun-dried tomatoes
- Creamy texture without dairy
- Subtle heat from chili flakes
- Herbaceous depth
The crispy tofu adds texture contrast, creating that satisfying bite you’d expect from a classic creamy chicken pasta.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Tofu
- Press thoroughly – Excess water prevents browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Give tofu space to crisp.
- Use medium heat – Too high and it burns; too low and it softens.
- Flip gently – A thin spatula works best.
For extra crispiness, you can bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Variations & Customizations
1. Make It Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free pasta like chickpea or brown rice pasta.
2. Add Spinach or Kale
Stir in fresh spinach during the final 2 minutes of cooking.
3. Extra Protein Boost
Add white beans or lentils for a heartier dish.
4. Make It Nut-Free
Stick with coconut milk instead of cashew cream.
5. Spicy Version
Double the chili flakes and add a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy dairy-free pasta pairs beautifully with:
- Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread (vegan butter version)
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
For a date night, serve with sparkling water and dim lighting — let the pasta do the talking.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Add a splash of plant milk
- Warm gently over medium-low heat
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking
Avoid microwaving too long, as it can dry out the tofu.
Nutrition Highlights
This dish offers a satisfying balance:
- Protein from tofu
- Healthy fats from olive oil
- Fiber from pasta and tomatoes
- Dairy-free and cholesterol-free
It’s indulgent without being heavy — a perfect example of modern plant-based comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the sauce and tofu separately, then combine before serving.
Can I freeze it?
Cream sauces don’t always freeze perfectly. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
What pasta shape works best?
Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold sauce beautifully.
Why This Recipe Works
The balance of fat (coconut milk), acid (lemon), salt (sun-dried tomatoes), and umami (nutritional yeast) creates depth similar to traditional cream sauces. Crispy tofu replicates texture and protein while staying fully plant-based.
This is more than just a vegan chicken pasta alternative — it’s a creamy dairy-free pasta that stands proudly on its own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, romantic, and flavor-packed dinner that just happens to be plant-based, this Vegan Marry Me “Chicken” Pasta with Crispy Tofu delivers every time.
It’s cozy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for company, and satisfying enough to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
One bite, and you’ll understand the name.