Vegan Marry Me “Chicken” Pasta

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe transforms ordinary tofu into irresistibly crispy “chicken,” paired with a rich sauce made creamy without dairy. The secret? A mix of plant-based cream, flavorful tomato sauce, fresh herbs, and nutritional yeast for depth. The result is indulgent, satisfying, and completely vegan.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or a cozy weekend treat. Bonus: it’s simple enough for beginners but sophisticated enough to impress guests.

Ingredients

• Crispy Tofu:
  • 400g firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
• Pasta:
  • 350g fettuccine or penne pasta
  • Salt for pasta water
• Marry Me Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for slight heat)
  • 1 cup tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based cream (oat or soy)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Optional Toppings:
  • Toasted pine nuts
  • Vegan parmesan
  • Fresh microgreens

Instructions

1. Prep the tofu: Press tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess water. Cube into bite-sized pieces.
2. Coat tofu: In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Crisp tofu: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry tofu in batches until golden and crispy on all sides, about 5–7 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside on a paper towel.
4. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
5. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and chili flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Simmer sauce: Add tomato passata, plant-based cream, and vegetable broth. Stir in nutritional yeast, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Combine pasta & sauce: Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
8. Add crispy tofu: Gently fold in crispy tofu cubes. Ensure each piece is coated with creamy sauce.
9. Serve & garnish: Plate pasta and top with fresh basil leaves, vegan parmesan, pine nuts, or microgreens. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Dish

• Press tofu thoroughly: Removing excess moisture ensures maximum crispiness.
• Use high-quality pasta: Fresh or artisanal pasta makes a noticeable difference in texture.
• Adjust creaminess: Use more plant-based cream for a richer, indulgent sauce.
• Make ahead: Sauce can be prepared a day in advance and reheated with pasta.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a little heat.

Variations

• Mushroom Marry Me Pasta: Swap tofu with sliced king oyster mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch for tofu coating.
• Herb Twist: Experiment with fresh thyme, parsley, or tarragon for a unique herbal profile.
• One-Pot Version: Cook pasta directly in the sauce for minimal cleanup, adjusting liquid as needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Serve alongside garlic bread or vegan focaccia.
• Complement with a chilled glass of vegan white wine for date-night elegance.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

The “Marry Me” pasta trend originates from a viral dish created by chef Sam Sifton in 2017, designed to be irresistible enough that someone might propose after tasting it. Traditionally made with chicken and cream, this vegan version honors the essence while keeping it plant-based. Crispy tofu is a common protein substitute in Asian and Western fusion cuisine, adding both texture and nutritional value.

This dish demonstrates the versatility of tofu and plant-based cream, proving that comfort food doesn’t need to rely on animal products. It’s a creative, romantic, and hearty dish suitable for anyone exploring vegan cuisine.

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