Marry Me Tofu Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marry Me Tofu Pasta is packed with flavor, combining crispy tofu cubes with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of heat. It’s an elegant and hearty dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights or dinner parties. You’ll love how this recipe keeps the decadence of the original while being entirely plant-based and customizable to suit various dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)

• 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

• 1/2 cup canned coconut milk or any plant-based cream

• 1/2 cup vegetable broth

• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan (optional)

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch and a pinch of salt.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook until golden and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Stir for another 1-2 minutes.

6. Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, then add nutritional yeast if using. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Add the cooked pasta and tofu back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 3-4

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Tofu alternatives: Use tempeh or vegan chicken-style pieces for variety.

• Add vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers work great in this dish.

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your sun-dried tomatoes are gluten-free.

• Use different creams: Try cashew cream or oat cream for a different texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. What makes it a “Marry Me” pasta?

The phrase comes from how delicious the sauce is—rich, creamy, and flavorful enough to impress anyone.

2. Can I make this pasta oil-free?

Yes, sauté the garlic and tomatoes in vegetable broth and bake or air-fry the tofu instead of pan-frying.

3. What type of tofu works best?

Firm or extra-firm tofu is best for holding its shape and getting crispy.

4. Can I use a different non-dairy cream?

Absolutely. Cashew cream, soy cream, or oat cream all work well.

5. Is this pasta spicy?

It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to taste.

6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

You can, but sun-dried tomatoes offer a more intense, sweet-savory flavor essential to the dish.

7. Can I freeze Marry Me Tofu Pasta?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat with extra liquid, as the sauce may thicken.

8. What pasta shape is best?

Short shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce well, but any shape you like will work.

9. Can I add cheese?

For a vegan version, use vegan mozzarella or parmesan shreds.

10. How do I make it more protein-rich?

Add lentils or double the tofu to increase the protein content.

Conclusion

Marry Me Tofu Pasta is the ultimate vegan comfort food, delivering all the creamy, savory goodness of the original recipe without any animal products. It’s a fast, flavorful, and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from casual dinners to romantic evenings. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular favorite in your recipe rotation.