Name: Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 oz tofu (14-16 oz block); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons water; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; Pepper to taste; 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for serving); 1 teaspoon chili flakes; ¼ teaspoon oregano; ¼ teaspoon thyme; ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley), chopped

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering dish that’s both comforting and impressive, you’ve got to try this Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how this tofu soaks up the rich, tangy sauce—it’s like a vegetarian version of the viral Marry Me Chicken, but better because it’s plant-based and just as flavorful. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every delicious detail so you can nail it on the first try!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Bomb: The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is tangy, garlicky, and just spicy enough to make your taste buds sing.
Perfectly Crispy Tofu: A light flour coating and pan-frying create the best golden crust that holds up beautifully in the sauce.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry, making it an easy go-to weeknight meal.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan (with swaps), or a meat lover, this dish wins hearts every time.

A single thick piece of light tan chicken is covered in a creamy sauce with a smooth, rich texture. The sauce is off-white with bits of red sun-dried tomatoes and small green herb leaves sprinkled on top. The chicken and sauce fill a round pan with a dark edge, resting on a white marbled surface. The creamy sauce pools around the chicken with a slightly glossy finish, showing a mix of orange oil streaks and herbs throughout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce, vegan tofu dinner ideas, plant-based creamy tomato sauce, vegetarian tofu recipes, quick easy tofu dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe’s magic lies in the balance of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors. The tofu acts like a sponge soaking up that luscious sun-dried tomato sauce, made richer with parmesan and infused with fresh herbs. Here’s a quick guide to some pantry must-haves and why they count.

Flat lay of a block of fresh firm tofu cut into three long pieces with rounded edges, two small white ceramic bowls—one filled with golden olive oil and another with dark balsamic vinegar, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl holding fine all-purpose flour, three whole garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a small white bowl of grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with bright red chopped sun-dried tomatoes, a few sprigs of fresh green herbs (basil and parsley), and small white bowls with paprika powder, garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, dried oregano, and dried thyme arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce, vegan tofu dinner ideas, plant-based creamy tomato sauce, vegetarian tofu recipes, quick easy tofu dishes

Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu works best so it holds its shape when cooking and in the sauce.
Olive Oil: Adds depth when sautéing and marinating—the flavor really shines here.
Balsamic Vinegar: Gives the marinade that subtle sweet tang that brightens the dish.
Garlic & Onion Powder: They’re the secret umami boosters without overpowering the sauce.
Paprika & Chili Flakes: A subtle smoky heat that adds warmth without painful spice.
All-purpose Flour: Helps create a crisp coating on the tofu for texture contrast.
Unsalted Butter: Enriches the sauce and balances acidity with a silky finish.
Vegetable Broth: Provides a flavorful base that keeps it vegetarian-friendly and moist.
Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious creaminess that makes this tofu saucy and luxurious.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and richness (omit or swap if vegan).
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated tomato flavor that’s tangy and sweet—absolutely essential.
Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley to brighten and freshen up every bite.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe invites you to make it your own. I’ve played around with a few twists over time, so don’t be shy about customizing to your taste or dietary needs—you can switch it up and still get that crave-worthy vibe.

Vegan Version: I swapped the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and used nutritional yeast instead of parmesan—still creamy and insanely good.
Spice it Up: Adding extra chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika ramps up the heat; perfect if you like a bit more kick.
Herb Swap: Fresh thyme or rosemary can replace oregano and thyme for an earthier twist that feels very rustic.
Serving Style: Try cubing the tofu instead of keeping it as larger pieces; it works well if you prefer bites for salads or wraps.

How to Make Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Shape Your Tofu

Okay, here’s where it starts to feel kinda fun. First, drain your tofu and slice it into three long pieces. If you want to channel that chicken breast vibe, trim the corners a bit so it looks rounded and natural—trust me, this little detail makes the presentation pop! Then, make diagonal shallow cuts about ¼ inch deep on both sides. This helps the marinade soak in and creates a nice texture when cooking.

Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this marinade over your tofu and let it rest for at least 30 minutes—or if you’re planning ahead, overnight in the fridge is even better. I always find that this step pumps so much flavor into the tofu, way better than just plain seasoning.

Step 3: Crisp Up the Tofu

Heat your skillet over medium heat with a touch of olive oil. Remove tofu from the marinade, then coat each piece evenly in all-purpose flour. This flour coating is my trick for crispy golden edges that wouldn’t be out of place in a fancy restaurant. Cook each side for about 5 minutes, watching closely so it browns but doesn’t burn. Once that golden crust forms, set the tofu aside—this is where it starts to look exciting!

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until it’s fragrant but not burnt (about 2 minutes). Pour in vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the tofu. Then lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese—here’s where the sauce becomes ultra creamy and cheesy. Let it simmer gently for 3 minutes, then season with chili flakes, oregano, and thyme. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to bump up the tanginess and sweetness.

Step 5: Let the Tofu Soak and Serve

Return the tofu pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let everything simmer for a few more minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and every bite gets coated. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top just before serving—it adds that fresh, garden-y brightness that balances the richness every time. Serve it up over your favorite noodles, rice, or even crusty bread to mop up that sauce. I promise, it’s irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe

Press Your Tofu: I always press tofu for at least 15 minutes before marinating to get rid of excess moisture—it crisps up so much better.
Watch Your Heat: Medium heat is key when pan-frying tofu; too high and it burns, too low and you don’t get that golden crust.
Don’t Skip the Sauce Simmer: Letting the sauce gently simmer thickens it and melds all the flavors together beautifully.
Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil or parsley at the end lifts the dish and keeps it bright, so don’t skip this finishing touch.

How to Serve Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe

A close-up top view of three pieces of cooked chicken in a creamy light yellow sauce with bits of red sun-dried tomatoes and chopped green parsley sprinkled on top. The chicken pieces are nestled in the sauce inside a round white pan with a purple handle, all placed on a white marbled surface. The sauce looks smooth and thick, mixing well with the herbs and tomatoes scattered evenly over the chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce, vegan tofu dinner ideas, plant-based creamy tomato sauce, vegetarian tofu recipes, quick easy tofu dishes

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or flat-leaf parsley. Sometimes I add an extra dusting of parmesan on top too—because who can resist more cheesy goodness? A drizzle of good quality olive oil right at the end also adds a lovely shine and richness.

Side Dishes

My go-to side is simple spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in olive oil and garlic—this sauce clings perfectly. Roasted or steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or even creamy mashed potatoes make excellent companions. And hey, don’t underestimate a crusty garlic bread to sop up every last drop!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate the tofu over a bed of creamy polenta and drizzle the sauce artistically around it. Adding some edible flowers or microgreens on top brings a wow-factor. One time, I even served it in shallow ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch—my friends were genuinely impressed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tofu soaks into the sauce even more after sitting overnight, which is actually my favorite way to enjoy the flavors deepened.

Freezing

Freezing tofu in creamy sauce can get a little tricky because it may change the texture slightly, but if you’re careful, it works. I flash freeze portions by themselves and store the sauce separately if possible—then thaw and gently reheat on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, to avoid breaking the tofu or curdling the sauce. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help revive the sauce’s creaminess if it thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use tofu other than firm for this Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe?

Firm or extra-firm tofu is definitely best for this recipe because it holds its shape when cooked and doesn’t fall apart in the sauce. Silken or soft tofu would be too delicate and likely break apart during frying and simmering.
Is there a vegan alternative for the cream and cheese in the sauce?

Absolutely! I’ve swapped heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream before, and parmesan for nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. The key is balancing creaminess with that tangy, umami-rich sun-dried tomato flavor.
How long does the tofu need to marinate?

The tofu should marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up the flavors, but if you can leave it overnight, you’ll notice the marinade penetrates deeper, giving a more robust taste.
Can I bake the tofu instead of pan-frying it?

You definitely can! Baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, is a great hands-off way to get crispy tofu. Just make sure to coat it in flour before baking for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve when friends come over. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you give it a try—you might just fall in love with tofu all over again, just like I did!