There’s a reason “Marry Me” recipes have taken over the internet—they’re rich, comforting, indulgent, and the kind of dish that makes people fall a little bit in love at first bite. This Vegan Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Crispy Tofu delivers all of that swoon-worthy magic without a single animal-based ingredient. No chicken, no cream, no cheese—yet somehow, it’s just as luxurious, savory, and irresistible as the original.

This dish is built around golden crispy tofu that stands in beautifully for chicken, paired with pasta coated in a silky, dairy-free creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and a subtle kick of heat. It’s cozy enough for a date night, impressive enough for guests, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner when you want something special but still doable.

Whether you’re fully vegan, dairy-free, or just plant-curious, this recipe is designed to hit all the right notes: creamy, savory, slightly tangy, deeply comforting, and incredibly satisfying. Let’s break down why this vegan version deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Why This Vegan Marry Me Pasta Works

Traditional “Marry Me Chicken” relies heavily on cream, parmesan, and pan-seared meat for flavor. This vegan adaptation recreates that experience using smart plant-based techniques:

Crispy tofu provides protein, texture, and that satisfying bite you’d expect from chicken
Cashew-based cream creates richness without heaviness
Nutritional yeast adds savory, cheesy depth
Sun-dried tomatoes bring tang, sweetness, and visual appeal
Garlic and Italian seasoning tie everything together with classic comfort-food flavor

The result is a dish that doesn’t feel like a compromise—it feels like an upgrade.

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best)
14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
¾ cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes
1 cup vegetable broth
⅓ cup unsweetened plant milk (almond or oat)
3 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed tofu and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook tofu for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and chopped onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
Drain soaked cashews and add them to a blender with vegetable broth, plant milk, nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Pour the cashew cream sauce into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Toss well to coat.
Gently fold in crispy tofu and cook for another 2 minutes until everything is warmed through.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Crispy Tofu

Press your tofu well to remove excess moisture—this is key for crispiness
Use a hot pan and don’t overcrowd it
Let the tofu sit undisturbed for a minute before flipping

Variations and Add-Ins

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta
Nut-Free: Swap cashew cream for canned coconut milk
Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli
Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vegan marry me chicken pasta with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread made with vegan butter. It pairs beautifully with a glass of sparkling water or a light white wine.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Special Occasions

This is the kind of meal that feels indulgent and celebratory without being complicated. It’s ideal for date nights, anniversaries, dinner parties, or anytime you want to impress without stress.