Vegan Stuffed Shells

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that brings a smile to everyone at the table, then you’ve come to the right place with these Vegan Stuffed Shells! This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in pasta form. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with family and friends, these stuffed shells are sure to impress. They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for anyone craving a hearty plant-based dish.

What makes this recipe special is its creamy filling made from wholesome ingredients like cashews and tofu, giving it that rich texture without any animal products. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your tastes or what you have on hand. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making these Vegan Stuffed Shells!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, even novice cooks can whip this up in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the cheesy filling and flavorful marinara.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep ahead of time and simply bake when you’re ready; perfect for meal prep!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of nutty cashews, savory tofu, and fresh spinach creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Customizable: Tailor the filling or sauce to fit your preferences—endless possibilities await!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for these Vegan Stuffed Shells is part of the fun! You’ll find that they’re made with simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you need:

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 block firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Califia Farms Oat Milk
• 9oz package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed out as much liquid as possible

For the Pasta and Sauce

• 16 jumbo shells (regular or gluten-free)
• 16oz of your favorite marinara
• (optional) fresh basil, roughly chopped
• (optional) dairy-free cheese, shredded

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to mix things up based on what you enjoy or have available! Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the Greens: Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different twist.
• Add Some Spice: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
• Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with various dairy-free cheeses for different flavors and textures.
• Include Veggies: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or zucchini into the filling for added nutrition.

How to Make Vegan Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Soak the Cashews

Start by soaking the raw cashews. Place them in a heat-safe bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This step softens the nuts, making them easier to blend into a creamy filling.

Step 2: Cook the Jumbo Shells

While your cashews soak, bring water to a boil in another pot and cook your jumbo shells according to package instructions. Make sure to cook them about one minute less than recommended; we want them al dente since they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Blend the Filling

After draining your soaked cashews, add them to your high-speed blender along with tofu, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and oat milk. Blend until smooth! This mixture will be your delicious ricotta-like filling.

Step 4: Mix in Spinach

Transfer your blended filling into a medium-sized bowl and fold in the thawed spinach. This adds flavor and nutrients while giving that beautiful green color!

Step 5: Assemble Your Dish

Grab a casserole dish (about 10×7 works well) and pour half of your marinara sauce on the bottom. Now comes the fun part—stuff each shell with that creamy mixture and nestle them gently into the sauce. Once all shells are filled, cover them with the remaining marinara.

Step 6: Bake Away!

Cover your dish with foil and pop it into an oven preheated to 350 degrees F. Bake for about 30 minutes until bubbly. If you added dairy-free cheese on top, remove foil during the last few minutes so it can melt beautifully.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Once done baking, let those Vegan Stuffed Shells cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if you like! Enjoy every bite of this comforting meal—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Stuffed Shells

Making Vegan Stuffed Shells is a breeze, but these little tips will help you elevate your dish to perfection!

• Soak the cashews: Soaking the cashews not only softens them but also makes blending easier, creating a smooth and creamy filling that mimics traditional ricotta.

• Use fresh spinach if possible: While frozen spinach is convenient, fresh spinach adds a vibrant flavor and texture. Just sauté it lightly before mixing it into the filling.

• Don’t overcook the shells: Cooking the shells al dente ensures they stay intact and don’t become mushy while baking. They’ll absorb just the right amount of sauce during cooking!

• Customize your marinara: Feel free to jazz up your favorite marinara sauce by adding herbs, garlic, or red pepper flakes. This can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Let it rest: After baking, let your stuffed shells sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully!

How to Serve Vegan Stuffed Shells

Serving Vegan Stuffed Shells can be as delightful as making them! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a pop of color and a burst of aroma that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Nutritional yeast: A dusting of nutritional yeast not only enhances the cheesy flavor but also adds a lovely golden hue to your dish.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery (dairy-free) garlic bread is perfect for soaking up marinara sauce and adds a crunchy contrast to soft stuffed shells.
• Simple Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can provide a crisp balance to the richness of the shells.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus bring additional nutrients and color to your meal while enhancing its heartiness.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli drizzled with lemon juice is an easy side that offers both nutrition and texture.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re all set to enjoy a delicious Italian-inspired dinner that everyone will rave about! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Vegan Stuffed Shells are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to store and prepare them for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• To maintain their flavor, try to cover them with marinara sauce before sealing the container.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze your stuffed shells, assemble them as instructed but do not bake.
• Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place in the freezer.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating

• To reheat refrigerated leftovers, simply place them in an oven-safe dish with a bit of extra marinara sauce.
• Bake at 350 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• If reheating from frozen, increase baking time by about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious Vegan Stuffed Shells.

Can I make Vegan Stuffed Shells without tofu?

Absolutely! You can replace the tofu with blended silken tofu or use mashed chickpeas for a different texture while keeping it plant-based.

How do I know when Vegan Stuffed Shells are done?

Vegan Stuffed Shells are done when the marinara sauce is bubbling and any added cheese is melted. Look for a golden crust if you used dairy-free cheese!

What can I serve with Vegan Stuffed Shells?

These stuffed shells pair beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. You might also enjoy them with roasted vegetables for a complete meal!

Can I make Vegan Stuffed Shells gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free jumbo shells and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Vegan Stuffed Shells recipe brings joy and comfort to your dinner table! It’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor that everyone will love. Enjoy making this delightful dish, and feel free to get creative with your ingredients! Happy cooking!