Name: Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian American
Ingredients: 14 oz tofu (14-16oz 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 (chopped, such as basil or parsley)

If you’re craving something irresistibly delicious yet vegetarian-friendly, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish brings so much bold flavor and creamy richness while keeping tofu as the star. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t try it sooner. So grab your apron, and let me walk you through every tasty detail!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is rich and tangy, perfectly complementing the tender, crispy tofu.
Simple Prep: Marinating the tofu overnight amps up the taste, yet the process stays straightforward and quick.
Vegetarian-Friendly: A fantastic plant-based take on the viral ‘marry me chicken’ that’s equally impressive and comforting.
Versatility: Serves beautifully over noodles, rice, or as a standalone dish with your favorite side.

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, vegetarian tofu recipes, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, vegan tofu dishes, easy tofu dinner ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe lies in balancing simple pantry staples with a few flavorful surprises. Each ingredient plays its part to build that perfect sauce and that crispy tofu crust you’ll crave again and again.

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, vegetarian tofu recipes, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, vegan tofu dishes, easy tofu dinner ideas

Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu—press it well to remove as much water as possible for a crispy finish.
Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil enhances flavor and helps crisp up the tofu.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the marinade.
Garlic powder & onion powder: Quick way to punch up the marinade without the chance of burning fresh garlic.
Paprika: Smoky warmth that adds a hint of color and flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage.
All-purpose flour: Helps the tofu develop a beautiful golden crust when pan-fried.
Unsalted butter: For richness in the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
Fresh garlic: Adds fresh aroma to the sauce—mince finely to avoid overpowering bites.
Vegetable broth: Builds the base of the sauce with savory notes.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and comforting.
Parmesan cheese: Gives umami and a slightly nutty flavor that’s pure magic when melted into the sauce.
Chili flakes: A gentle kick that gives just enough heat to balance the creaminess.
Dried herbs (oregano and thyme): Classic Italian flavors round out the sauce beautifully.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Tangy bursts that elevate the sauce’s complexity.
Fresh herbs: Basil or parsley work great as a finishing touch for freshness and color.

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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 flexible this Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe is. Feel free to adjust it based on what you have or your dietary preferences—experimentation only makes it more fun!

Vegan version: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and swap Parmesan for a nutritional yeast-based cheese alternative—I’ve tried it and the texture stays wonderfully creamy!
Spice it up: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of cayenne if you like a bolder heat punch; my family goes crazy for that spicy twist.
Herb swaps: Fresh rosemary or sage can replace oregano and thyme for a more earthy aroma, which I use sometimes in the fall when I want a cozy vibe.
Protein alternatives: If tofu isn’t your thing, halloumi or tempeh can work beautifully with this sauce too.

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

Step 1: Prep the tofu like a pro

Start by slicing your block of tofu into three long pieces. Here’s a little secret I discovered: cutting the tofu edges to round off the corners really helps mimic the shape and feel of chicken breasts, which is perfect if you’re aiming for that classic ‘marry me chicken’ look. After shaping, slice shallow diagonal cuts on both sides—this lets the marinade work its magic deep into the tofu. Remember to press your tofu beforehand to avoid sogginess and achieve that crispy finish we’re after.

Step 2: Marinate for 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 hang out for at least 30 minutes, but if you’ve got time, overnight is even better to soak up all that yumminess. You’ll find the tang from balsamic adds a lovely complexity that plays beautifully against the creamy sauce later on.

Step 3: Get that perfect crisp

Heat your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Coat each tofu piece generously but lightly in flour—think of it like giving them a cozy crispy jacket. Cook them until golden brown on each side, around five minutes per side, watching carefully so they don’t burn. This is where patience pays off; those crispy edges make all the difference! Set them aside once they’re perfectly browned.

Step 4: Create the dreamy sauce

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant—but don’t let it brown too fast! Pour in vegetable broth to deglaze, scraping up those tasty browned bits from the pan—that’s flavor gold. Turn the heat to medium-low, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Add chili flakes, oregano, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Bring it all together

Stir in your chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a punch of tangy sweetness, then nestle the tofu back into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the tofu absorbs that luscious sauce, and it thickens just right. By this point, your kitchen will smell absolutely divine—get ready for some serious compliments!

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

Press Your Tofu Well: I usually press mine for at least 20 minutes using a tofu press or weighted plates to avoid sogginess—crispier tofu is a game changer.
Don’t Skip the Flour Coating: It might seem like an extra step, but that flour layer locks in moisture and delivers a golden crust that adds texture.
Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Finishing with fresh basil or parsley brightens the rich sauce and makes the dish feel restaurant-quality.
Watch Your Heat When Cooking Tofu: Medium heat is key so the tofu crisps nicely without burning—patience here equals perfection.

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, vegetarian tofu recipes, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, vegan tofu dishes, easy tofu dinner ideas

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a generous handful of fresh basil or parsley leaves on top just before serving—it adds such a fresh, herby punch that cuts through the creaminess perfectly. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

My go-to is serving this tofu over simple egg noodles or creamy polenta to soak up all that sauce. Sometimes, I’ll pair it with garlic roasted asparagus or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I’ve arranged the tofu slices beautifully over a bed of wild rice mixed with toasted pine nuts, then drizzled the sauce over and garnished with microgreens. It always feels extra fancy but takes just minutes to pull off!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools but reheats beautifully — just add a splash of water or broth when warming to bring back its silky texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully by keeping tofu and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When thawed, the texture is slightly softer, but the flavors remain deliciously intact.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low-medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Adding a little cream or broth helps restore the sauce’s original creamy consistency without breaking it.

FAQs

Can I use silken tofu for the Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe?

Silken tofu isn’t ideal here because it’s too soft and doesn’t hold its shape well during cooking. For this recipe, firm or extra-firm tofu works best to achieve that crispy, “meaty” texture that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
How long should I marinate the tofu for optimal flavor?

While 30 minutes is the minimum which still yields good flavor, marinating overnight makes the tofu much richer and more flavorful. If you’re short on time, even 1 hour will help the tofu absorb the marinade nicely.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option like chickpea flour or rice flour for coating the tofu. Just ensure the rest of your ingredients (like broth) are gluten-free too.
What’s the best way to press tofu if I don’t have a tofu press?

A simple method is to wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, place it on a plate, and set a heavy pan or book on top for at least 20 minutes. This helps squeeze out excess moisture for crispier results.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe feels like a little celebration every time I make it. It’s cozy, packed with flavor, and comforting without relying on meat—which makes it a winner for me and my family. I really hope you’ll try it out and fall in love with this plant-based twist just like I have. Once you do, it might just become your go-to recipe for impressing friends or treating yourself. Happy cooking!