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 (14-16oz 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 rich, comforting, and just a little bit show-stopping, then you have to try this Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe. I promise, this tofu isn’t your everyday bland block—it’s packed with layers of flavor, creamy goodness, and that gorgeous tang of sun-dried tomatoes that’ll make you swoon. When I first made this, my whole family went wild over it, and honestly, I love how adaptable and simple it is. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step so your kitchen turns out pure magic!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Adventure: The combination of balsamic marinade, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes is downright unforgettable.
Tofu Upgrade: This recipe transforms tofu into a tender, well-seasoned centerpiece that even meat lovers adore.
Simple Yet Elegant: It’s approachable for cooks at any level but impressive enough for guests.
Versatile Meal: Great for weeknight dinners or special occasions with easy tweaks to suit your pantry.

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 main dish, creamy sun-dried tomato tofu, flavorful plant-based tofu recipe, easy tofu dinner ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to give you a rich, vibrant sauce coating tender tofu. Plus, the balsamic marinade adds an extra boost of flavor that’s just irresistible. Let’s talk about the key players:

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 main dish, creamy sun-dried tomato tofu, flavorful plant-based tofu recipe, easy tofu dinner ideas

Firm Tofu: I recommend pressing it ahead of time to get rid of excess moisture for better texture and crispy edges.
Olive Oil: Used for both marinating and cooking—extra virgin gives the best flavor punch.
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds mild sweetness and tang, making the tofu super flavorful from the get-go.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Pantry staples that help build that savory depth without fuss.
Paprika: For a subtle smokiness and color that you’ll notice with each bite.
Flour: It’s the secret weapon to creating a light crust on the tofu—trust me, don’t skip it.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the sauce alongside olive oil—yes, it’s indulgent but worth every bite.
Garlic: Freshly minced to infuse the sauce with vibrant aroma.
Vegetable Broth: Keeps the sauce savory and layered without heaviness.
Heavy Cream: For that luscious, velvety texture that makes this dish feel like fine dining.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
Chili Flakes: Adds a subtle kick—perfect if you love a little heat.
Oregano & Thyme: Earthy herbs that tie the sauce components together.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The star ingredient for tang and chewiness—chop coarsely to distribute flavor evenly.
Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley to finish and brighten the dish.

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 making this Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe my own depending on what’s in the kitchen or who I’m cooking for. Don’t hesitate to play around and make it your own—there’s tons of room for fun here!

Vegan Swap: I’ve swapped out butter and heavy cream for vegan alternatives like coconut cream and vegan margarine—just as rich and just as tasty.
Spicy Boost: When I want an extra kick, I double up on chili flakes or toss in a dash of smoked paprika.
Herb Variations: I often swap oregano and thyme for rosemary and sage, especially in cooler months, giving a cozy vibe.
Protein Switch: If tofu isn’t your thing, I’ve tried this with seitan or tempeh and loved how well the sauce clings.

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

Step 1: Prep and Shape Your Tofu

Start by draining the tofu and cutting it lengthwise into three even slices. I like giving mine a little more character by shaping each piece with rounded edges—you’ll find it cooks more evenly and looks just right on the plate. Don’t forget to make shallow diagonal cuts on both sides; this helps that golden crust form and lets the marinade soak in better. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!

Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The balsamic gives this marinade a subtle sweetness that’s just irresistible. Let your tofu sip on this flavor bath for at least 30 minutes; I’ve even left it overnight, and the depth of flavor that develops is mind-blowing. The longer, the better here!

Step 3: Coat and Crisp the Tofu

When it’s time to cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove tofu pieces from the marinade and give each slice a light dusting with flour, making sure every side’s covered. This coating crisps up beautifully when seared and keeps that sauce from soaking through too quickly. Cook each side for about 5 minutes until you see a golden crust form—patience here pays off with texture that your taste buds will thank you for.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), sauté the minced garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in vegetable broth to deglaze those tasty browned bits stuck to the pan—that’s flavor gold! Turn the heat down slightly, then stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a few minutes to simmer and thicken as you season with chili flakes, oregano, and thyme. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes; they introduce that perfect tang and texture. Finally, nestle your tofu pieces back into the sauce and let everything mingle and thicken for a few more minutes.

👨‍🍳

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

Press Your Tofu: Removing excess water with a tofu press or heavy plate helps your tofu crisp beautifully instead of steaming in the pan.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the sauce to gently simmer to help it thicken and let the flavors intensify without breaking the cream.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting—fresh cheese gives a silky finish.
Watch the Heat: Keep your skillet at medium or medium-low once you add cream to avoid curdling the sauce.

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 main dish, creamy sun-dried tomato tofu, flavorful plant-based tofu recipe, easy tofu dinner ideas

Garnishes

I often sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top—it adds a fresh contrast to the rich sauce and brightens up the whole plate. A little extra Parmesan doesn’t hurt either if you’re feeling indulgent!

Side Dishes

I love to serve this Marry Me Tofu with simple pasta like fettuccine or wide egg noodles that soak up that creamy sauce perfectly. Roasted veggies or a crisp green salad also pair beautifully for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this with a bed of creamy polenta or alongside garlic mashed potatoes—both feel decadent and elevate this dish instantly. Garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers can also add that wow factor if you’re entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like storing the tofu and sauce together in an airtight container, so the flavors continue melding. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times and it holds up nicely. If you freeze it, I recommend thawing overnight in the fridge and reheating gently to maintain that creamy texture without separation.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found is warming it slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or cream helps loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much after fridge time.

FAQs

Can I use firm tofu instead of extra firm for this recipe?

You can, but I recommend pressing it extra well to remove as much moisture as possible. Extra-firm tofu holds up best to frying and will give you that crispy exterior without falling apart.
Is the sauce dairy-free or can it be made vegan?

While this recipe uses heavy cream and Parmesan for richness, you can swap in coconut cream or cashew cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative to make it vegan-friendly. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Absolutely! It reheats beautifully and tastes great as leftovers. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
What can I serve with Marry Me Tofu?

Pasta, rice, creamy polenta, or roasted vegetables work perfectly. I personally love wide noodles to soak up the extra sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like chickpea flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and double-check that your vegetable broth is gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you put in a whole lot more work than you actually did. It’s rich, indulgent, and packed with layers of flavor that will keep everyone asking for seconds. I love how it makes tofu the star of the show and turns a simple dinner into something special. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again—whether it’s for your family, your closest friends, or just to treat yourself. Go on, give it a whirl—your taste buds will thank you!