Marry Me Vegan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting with loads of flavor and that perfect “wow” factor, you’re going to adore this Marry Me Vegan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of creamy tomato goodness, smoky spices, and crispy tofu that hits all the right spots. When I first tried this dish, it quickly became a family favorite, and I can’t wait for you to experience just how delicious vegan can be!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Marry Me Vegan Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in simple, fresh ingredients working together to create a stunningly rich sauce and crispy tofu “chicken.” I always recommend grabbing quality sun-dried tomatoes—they really elevate the flavor.

• Tofu: Extra firm tofu works best here for that meaty texture; pressing it helps get it extra crispy.
• Cornflour: This is the secret to that crave-worthy crispy coating on the tofu.
• Smoked paprika: It adds a lovely smoky depth balancing the tomato’s sweetness.
• Garlic pepper and oregano: Classic seasonings that bring amazing savory notes.
• Butter (vegan): Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce—don’t skip this even if vegan!
• Shallots & garlic: The aromatic base that builds flavor complexity.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These pack an intense tomato flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
• Tomato puree: Helps thicken the sauce and adds tang.
• Plant-based cream: This is what makes the sauce silky and luscious.
• Bow-tie (farfalle) pasta: I love this shape because the sauce clings to the ridges perfectly.
• Vegetable stock: For simmering the pasta and adding flavor.
• Cayenne chili pepper: Just a touch for a subtle kick.
• Fresh basil: Brings brightness and fresh herbal notes when sprinkled on top.

Variations

I’ve found that tweaking this Marry Me Vegan Chicken Pasta Recipe is half the fun—whether that means adding extra spice or swapping pasta shapes. Feel free to make this your own!

• Spicy Upgrade: I often add a pinch more cayenne or even a splash of hot sauce when I want extra heat—it really wakes up the flavors.
• Different “Chicken” Proteins: You can swap the tofu for seitan or chickpea cutlets if you want variety.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your tomato puree and stock for hidden gluten.
• Herb Experimentation: Try swapping oregano for thyme or adding rosemary for a different herbal twist.

How to Make Marry Me Vegan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Build the Sauce

Start by melting the vegan butter in a large saucepan or casserole dish over medium heat. Add finely diced shallots and sauté gently for 5–6 minutes until they’re soft and translucent — this slow cooking really brings out their sweetness. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute more, just till fragrant. Stir in the tomato puree, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and all your seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, plus salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well, then slowly pour in the vegetable stock while stirring to keep it smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Add the farfalle pasta straight into the sauce. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer. Stir the pasta regularly for about 7–8 minutes to keep it from sticking to the bottom and to help it absorb all those delicious flavors. This is one of my favorite tricks because it gives you a thicker, creamy sauce with zero extra pots to wash!

Step 3: Prepare the Marry Me “Chicken” Tofu

While the pasta is simmering, let’s turn to your tofu. Drain it thoroughly (I like to give it a gentle squeeze with a clean kitchen towel to remove as much moisture as possible), then slice into 0.5-inch thick “fillets.” For a more chicken-like appearance, you can shape the edges a bit with your knife, but don’t worry if they’re just rectangles! Toss together the cornflour and seasonings on a plate, then dredge each tofu piece thoroughly in the coating mixture, flipping to cover well.

Step 4: Fry the Tofu Until Crispy

Heat oil in a shallow pan over medium heat until hot. Fry your coated tofu fillets for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. I always love this step—the smell is incredible, and that crispy crust is a total game changer. Once done, transfer to a cutting board and thinly slice your tofu fillets. We want them tender on the inside but with that irresistible crunch on the outside.

Step 5: Finish the Pasta and Serve It Up

Pour in the plant-based cream into your simmered pasta sauce and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If the pasta isn’t quite done, let it simmer for an extra minute until it’s perfectly tender and creamy. Dish it out onto plates, and gently lay those crispy tofu slices on top. Finish by chopping fresh basil and scattering it over the whole dish—garlic pepper sprinkled on top is my favorite final touch for that little extra zing.

How to Serve Marry Me Vegan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of fresh basil sprinkled on top—it adds such a bright, herbal pop that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I also add a sprinkle of extra garlic pepper or even a pinch of nutritional yeast for a subtle cheesy note.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. For a heartier meal, some crusty vegan garlic bread is an unbeatable sidekick.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve this in cute individual ramekins topped with a basil leaf and a drizzle of olive oil. It feels fancy but still super approachable. Adding a side bowl of chili flakes lets guests spice things up themselves, which is always a fun touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from this Marry Me Vegan Chicken Pasta Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I store the tofu separately if I can, so it keeps crispier. When I’ve reheated it all together, the tofu softens a bit but still tastes great.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times by itself and also the tofu separately. The pasta keeps fine, but the texture changes slightly—if you want to freeze it, it’s best to slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t get mushy when thawed and reheated.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of plant-based milk or water to loosen the sauce. This helps avoid drying out the tofu and keeps the sauce creamy. A quick zap in the microwave works too—just be sure to cover it to trap moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Vegan Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my heart because of how easy it is to whip up yet impressively comforting and delicious. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a plant-based meal that feels indulgent but is unbelievably satisfying. I truly believe once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again—like I do! Give it a go and let me know how your kitchen falls in love too.

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