Vegan Marry Me “Chicken” Pasta with Crispy Tofu

If there’s one pasta dish that has captured hearts across kitchens everywhere, it’s “Marry Me Pasta.” Creamy, rich, full of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs — it’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for a proposal but easy enough for a weeknight.

But what if you’re plant-based?

This Vegan Marry Me “Chicken” Pasta with Crispy Tofu brings all that swoon-worthy flavor — without dairy, without chicken, and without sacrificing texture. Instead of traditional chicken, we use golden, crispy tofu cubes that are seasoned and pan-seared until irresistibly crunchy on the outside and tender inside. The sauce? A luxurious dairy-free blend of coconut cream, vegetable broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and nutritional yeast that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta.

It’s creamy. It’s comforting. It’s impressive. And yes — it might just inspire someone to pop the question.

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Why You’ll Love This Vegan Marry Me Pasta

This isn’t just another dairy-free pasta recipe. It’s:

• Packed with bold Italian-inspired flavors
• High in plant-based protein thanks to tofu
• Creamy without heavy cream
• Perfect for date night or cozy dinners
• Ready in about 40 minutes

The magic lies in balancing textures: silky sauce, chewy pasta, and crispy tofu. That contrast is what makes this vegan chicken pasta unforgettable.

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Ingredients

For the Crispy Tofu

• 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Vegan Marry Me Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup full-fat coconut cream
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup unsweetened plant milk (as needed for thinning)

Pasta & Garnish

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra red pepper flakes
• Vegan parmesan (optional)

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Instructions

1. Press the tofu for at least 15–20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cube into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, toss tofu with soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and gently toss until coated.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
5. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
6. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release flavor.
7. Add coconut cream and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
8. Stir in nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. If sauce is too thick, add plant milk or reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
10. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
11. Fold in crispy tofu, reserving some for topping if desired.
12. Garnish with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and vegan parmesan before serving.

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What Makes This “Marry Me” Worthy?

The original “Marry Me” chicken pasta became famous for its rich cream-based sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes. The combination of creamy, tangy, garlicky, and slightly spicy flavors creates a balance that feels indulgent yet comforting.

In this vegan version:

• Coconut cream replaces heavy cream for richness.
• Nutritional yeast adds savory depth.
• Crispy tofu provides protein and satisfying texture.

The result? A dairy-free creamy pasta that tastes indulgent without feeling heavy.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Tofu

1. Press thoroughly. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give tofu space to brown properly.
3. Use cornstarch. It creates that golden, lightly crunchy coating.
4. High heat, patience. Let tofu develop a crust before flipping.

If you prefer oven-baked tofu, bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.

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Variations & Customizations

Make It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Add Vegetables

Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes add color and nutrients.

Boost Protein

Stir in white beans or chickpeas alongside tofu.

Make It Nut-Free

This recipe is already nut-free if using coconut cream — just double-check labels.

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Serving Suggestions

This vegan marry me pasta pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread
• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus
• Sparkling water with lemon

For date night, serve in shallow bowls with fresh basil ribbons scattered on top. A candle or two wouldn’t hurt either.

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Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

• Add a splash of plant milk or broth.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat.
• Avoid overheating to preserve sauce creaminess.

This pasta is meal-prep friendly and tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

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The Secret to a Creamy Dairy-Free Sauce

Many dairy-free sauces fall flat because they lack depth. The combination of:

• Coconut cream (fat content = creaminess)
• Nutritional yeast (savory umami)
• Sun-dried tomatoes (sweet acidity)
• Garlic and herbs (aromatic backbone)

creates a layered flavor profile that rivals traditional cream-based sauces.

The key is simmering just long enough to meld flavors without separating the coconut cream.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought vegan chicken?
Yes, but crispy tofu provides better texture contrast.

Does it taste like coconut?
No — once combined with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, the coconut flavor becomes neutral and creamy.

Can I freeze it?
Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.

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Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion

• Weeknight dinner
• Romantic plant-based date night
• Family comfort meal
• Impressing non-vegans
• Meal prep lunches

It’s proof that vegan comfort food doesn’t have to feel restrictive. Instead, it can feel abundant, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.

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There’s something magical about a bowl of pasta that feels special yet familiar. This Vegan Marry Me “Chicken” Pasta with Crispy Tofu is exactly that — bold, creamy, comforting, and full of texture.

And if it doesn’t inspire a proposal?

At the very least, it’ll inspire seconds.