Name: Marry Me Tofu: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Vegan Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 16 ounce super firm tofu, pressed well; 4 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons avocado oil or other high-heat safe oil; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 teaspoon salt, more or less to taste; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup cashew cream or other vegan cream; 2 cups baby spinach, sliced or chopped; 4-5 fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1/2 cup vegan Parmesan (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 49 reviews

If you’ve ever wondered how to create a decadent, creamy, and vibrant vegan dish that feels like a warm hug in a skillet, let me introduce you to Marry Me Tofu: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Vegan Skillet Recipe. This delightful meal brings together crispy tofu triangles bathed in a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, bursting with garlicky flavor and fresh spinach that adds a bright touch of green. Perfectly balanced and surprisingly quick, it’s the kind of recipe that feels sophisticated but comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding friends, this vegan skillet will have everyone asking for seconds and maybe even a few proposals of their own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There is a round grey frying pan with a silver handle on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, seven pieces of food are frying, each shaped like a leaf or a rounded diamond. They have a golden brown color with some parts crispier and darker, creating a lightly textured surface. There is sizzling oil around the pieces, with small bubbles and a shiny reflection. The food pieces are spread out evenly inside the pan, showing their light and crispy texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in flavor, texture, and color. From the crispy, golden tofu to the silky creamy sauce filled with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh greens, every component is essential to the magic of the dish.

16 ounces super firm tofu: The star of the show; pressing it well ensures maximum crispiness when pan-fried.
4 tablespoons cornstarch: Creates a perfect crispy coating for the tofu.
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast: Adds a subtle cheesy, nutty flavor to the tofu crust.
1/2 teaspoon salt & black pepper: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
3 tablespoons avocado oil: Great for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with an irresistible aroma and depth.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds a tangy, concentrated sweetness and gorgeous red color.
1/2 teaspoon oregano & 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes: Provide earthy and spicy notes to elevate the sauce.
1 cup vegetable broth: Gives the sauce body and helps meld flavors.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and enriches the sauce’s color.
1 cup cashew cream: Offers that silky, creamy texture crucial for the ‘Marry Me’ experience.
2 cups baby spinach, chopped: Adds fresh, vibrant greens and subtle earthiness.
4-5 fresh basil leaves, chopped: Brightens the final dish with a fresh herbal burst.
1/2 cup vegan Parmesan (optional): Adds an optional cheesy finish if you love that umami touch.

How to Make Marry Me Tofu: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Vegan Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Crisp the Tofu

Begin by removing your super firm tofu from the package and pressing it well to remove excess moisture. This step is vital to achieving the coveted crispy exterior. Slice the tofu into small triangles or your favorite shape—triangles give a great presentation, but feel free to get creative. Next, combine the cornstarch, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create a flavorful coating. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then coat each tofu piece in the cornstarch mixture before carefully placing them in the hot pan. Let each side cook for about 4 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping gently to avoid breaking. Once all tofu pieces are beautifully crisped, remove them and set aside. Let the pan cool a bit before moving to the sauce to avoid burning.

Step 2: Craft the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Using the same skillet, keep that flavorful fond from the tofu but reduce the heat to low-medium. If the pan looks dry, add a touch more oil before tossing in the minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, to unlock its sweet, aromatic magic. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red chili flakes, letting their flavors meld for a minute. Then, pour in the vegetable broth, tomato paste, and cashew cream, stirring vigorously to combine into a luscious sauce. Add the chopped spinach next and let it wilt gently in the warmth while the sauce simmers for 5 minutes. This is the moment the creamy texture and vibrant flavors come together beautifully. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili flakes to your personal preference.

Step 3: Finish and Combine

Once your sauce is silky and the spinach is perfectly wilted, stir in the fresh basil and vegan Parmesan if you’re using it. These final touches brighten and enrich the dish, adding layers of aroma and umami. Finally, nestle the crispy tofu pieces back into the skillet and carefully flip them to coat each piece thoroughly with that dreamy cream sauce. Turn off the heat but keep the skillet warm until you’re ready to serve. This step ensures each bite is bursting with flavor and comforting creaminess.

How to Serve Marry Me Tofu: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Vegan Skillet Recipe

A cooking pan with three visible layers inside: the bottom layer is a dark red sauce covering half of the pan's edge; the middle layer is creamy and light beige with small bubbles, spreading from the sauce to the pan's edges; the top layer is a pile of fresh, chopped dark green spinach placed roughly in the center, partially covering the creamy layer. The pan is metal with a shiny silver handle, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves or a handful of microgreens right before serving. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the dish further. Vegan Parmesan or toasted pine nuts also make wonderful toppings, adding contrast in texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This creamy tofu skillet pairs brilliantly with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the luscious sauce. Pasta, especially linguine or fettuccine, complements it equally well for an Italian-inspired vibe. If you prefer something lighter, a crusty artisan bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad can balance the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Marry Me Tofu in individual shallow bowls for a cozy, restaurant-style experience. Layer it over warm polenta or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. For a vibrant, nutritious boost, present it atop quinoa or pearl couscous, garnished with bright cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs to make your plate pop visually and flavor-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the tofu is coated and fried, reheated pieces will retain good texture if warmed gently. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the tofu’s crispness until serving.

Freezing

While the tofu’s crispiness is best fresh, this skillet recipe can be frozen for up to 1 month. Freeze the tofu and sauce together in a freezer-safe container but understand that upon thawing, the tofu will soften a bit. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat Marry Me Tofu gently either in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to regain some of the crunchy texture. If microwaving, do so in short bursts and stir often to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of broth or vegan cream when reheating helps keep the sauce fresh and silky.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of tofu for this recipe?

Super firm or extra-firm tofu works best because it holds its shape and crisps beautifully. Softer tofus will not crisp as well and can make the dish mushy.

What can I substitute for cashew cream if I have nut allergies?

Great alternatives include store-bought vegan cream sauces, coconut cream (watch for added flavors), or blending silken tofu with a bit of lemon juice and nutritional yeast for creaminess.

Is the sun-dried tomato paste necessary?

The tomato paste is essential as it deepens the tomato flavor and adds richness to the sauce. If unavailable, you can increase sun-dried tomatoes slightly but may lose some of the sauce’s intensity.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your cornstarch and vegan Parmesan are certified gluten-free, and you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice or gluten-free bread.

How spicy is this recipe?

The red chili flakes provide a gentle heat that complements the other flavors without overwhelming. Adjust the amount to taste for a milder or spicier dish.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Tofu: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Vegan Skillet Recipe is a wonderful celebration of bold flavors, creamy textures, and simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or aiming to impress friends, this recipe feels special without fuss. Trust me, once you try this creamy, tangy, and so satisfying dish, it might just become your new go-to comfort meal. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!

Marry Me Tofu: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Vegan Skillet Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need