I love marry me tofu because it’s creamy, savory, and packed with bold flavor that feels comforting and a little indulgent. I enjoy how the tofu turns tender and rich as it simmers in a creamy, garlicky sauce with herbs, making this a plant-based dish that feels just as satisfying as a classic comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s full of flavor while still being simple to make. I enjoy how the sauce comes together quickly and coats the tofu beautifully. I also appreciate that it feels special enough for a cozy dinner but easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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extra-firm tofu
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olive oil
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garlic
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sun-dried tomatoes
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vegetable broth
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heavy cream or plant-based cream
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grated Parmesan or dairy-free alternative
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dried Italian seasoning
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red pepper flakes
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salt
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black pepper
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fresh basil
Directions
I start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cutting it into cubes or slabs. I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and pan-sear the tofu until it’s golden on all sides. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I add garlic and cook it gently until fragrant. I stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the vegetable broth and let it simmer briefly. I add the cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
I return the tofu to the skillet and gently simmer everything together so the tofu absorbs the sauce. I season with salt and black pepper and finish with fresh basil just before serving.
Servings and timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep time takes around 10 minutes, cooking time is about 25 minutes, and the total time comes to roughly 35 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes add spinach or kale to the sauce for extra greens. I like using coconut cream for a dairy-free version with extra richness. When I want more heat, I increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of chili oil.
storage/reheating
I store leftover marry me tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I bake the tofu instead of pan-frying?
I can bake or air-fry the tofu first, but I like pan-frying because it adds more flavor and texture.
What type of tofu works best?
I prefer extra-firm tofu because it holds its shape well in the creamy sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
I make it fully vegan by using plant-based cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
What should I serve with marry me tofu?
I enjoy serving it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Does this dish reheat well?
I think it reheats very well as long as I add a little liquid to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
I enjoy marry me tofu because it’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor while still being plant-based. I love how the creamy sauce transforms simple tofu into a dish that feels special and satisfying, making it a recipe I’m always happy to cook and share.
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Marry Me Tofu is a rich, creamy, and savory plant-based dish where golden tofu simmers in a garlicky sun-dried tomato cream sauce with herbs, delivering bold comfort-food flavor.
- Author: Lizaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed or sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or dairy-free alternative
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes or slabs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and pan-sear tofu until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook gently until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Return tofu to the skillet and simmer for 5–7 minutes so it absorbs the sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Remove from heat and finish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Extra-firm tofu works best for holding shape.
- Coconut cream adds extra richness for a dairy-free version.
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
