Name: Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Plant-Based
Ingredients: For the crispy tofu:; 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed; 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; For the gnocchi and sauce:; 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated); 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 3/4 cup coconut cream or cashew cream; 1/2 cup vegetable broth; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish); Optional: nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan

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Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi is my plant-based spin on a viral classic—full of bold flavors, rich creamy sauce, and irresistible textures. The golden, crispy tofu pairs perfectly with pillowy gnocchi and a sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s so good, it just might inspire a proposal. Whether I’m cooking for myself or someone special, this dish never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The tofu is crispy on the outside, tender inside, and soaks up the creamy, garlicky sauce beautifully. The gnocchi adds that soft, chewy bite, making every mouthful satisfying. It’s fully plant-based, cozy, and perfect for weeknights or date nights alike. Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crispy tofu:

Extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

For the sauce and gnocchi:

Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
Olive oil or vegan butter
Garlic, minced
Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Tomato paste
Coconut cream or cashew cream (for richness)
Vegetable broth
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil (for garnish)

Directions

I press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cube it and toss it in cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
I pan-fry the tofu in olive oil until all sides are crispy and golden, then set it aside.
In the same pan, I sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil.
I stir in tomato paste, letting it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
I pour in the broth and cream, then add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. I let it simmer until thickened slightly.
Meanwhile, I boil or pan-fry the gnocchi until cooked, then stir it into the sauce.
I add the crispy tofu back in and toss everything together gently to coat.
I finish it off with chopped basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan, if I want extra cheesiness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I bake or air fry the tofu instead of pan-frying for less oil.
I swap gnocchi for pasta, rice, or even roasted potatoes.
For a more tangy sauce, I add a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.
I use oat cream or a store-bought vegan cooking cream when I don’t have coconut or cashew cream on hand.
I throw in spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop with a splash of broth or plant milk to loosen the sauce. The tofu stays crispy if reheated in a skillet or air fryer separately. Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes! I love using shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi—it cooks in minutes and holds up beautifully in the sauce.

How do I make the tofu really crispy?

I press it well, coat it in cornstarch, and make sure the oil is hot before frying. I flip each cube to get even browning.

Is this recipe fully vegan?

It is! I use coconut or cashew cream and skip any dairy cheese. Vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast adds extra flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free gnocchi and double-check that all other ingredients (like broth and seasoning blends) are gluten-free.

Can I prep it ahead of time?

I crisp the tofu and make the sauce ahead, then reheat and combine everything just before serving. This keeps the tofu from getting soggy.

Conclusion

Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that proves plant-based meals can be every bit as crave-worthy as the originals. It’s cozy, elegant, and incredibly easy to make—all the reasons I keep it in my regular rotation. One bite, and I know exactly why it’s called “Marry Me.”