Vegan Stuffed Shells

Vegan Stuffed Shells are an easy and delicious plant-based meal your whole family will love! These stuffed pasta shells are filled with a creamy, flavorful ricotta-style mixture made from cashews and tofu, making them a perfect comfort food. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit various dietary needs and can be served with fresh ingredients for extra flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast creates a rich flavor profile that satisfies your taste buds.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these cheesy stuffed shells, ensuring everyone at the table is happy.
• Customizable: Feel free to add different vegetables or herbs to the filling based on what you have on hand.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from spinach and cashews, this dish is both wholesome and comforting.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make preparing your Vegan Stuffed Shells a breeze. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• High-speed blender
• Casserole dish
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• High-speed blender: This tool ensures that your cashew-tofu mixture becomes smooth and creamy without any lumps.
• Casserole dish: A good-sized casserole dish allows you to arrange the stuffed shells comfortably while baking.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements help maintain the balance of flavors in the filling and sauce.

Ingredients

Vegan Stuffed Shells – an easy and delicious plant-based meal your whole family will love!!

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

• 16 jumbo shells (regular or gluten-free)

For the Sauce

• 16oz of your favorite marinara

Optional Garnishes

• (optional) fresh basil, roughly chopped
• (optional) dairy-free cheese, shredded

How to Make Vegan Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the stuffed shells perfectly.

Step 2: Soak the Cashews

Place raw cashews in a heat-safe bowl. Bring 2 cups of water to boil and pour over cashews. Let sit for 10-15 minutes. This process helps them blend more easily into a creamy mixture.

Step 3: Cook the Jumbo Shells

Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions but reduce cooking time by one minute so they remain al dente. Remove them from boiling water and set on a plate to cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

Drain soaked cashews and add them to your high-speed blender along with firm tofu, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and oat milk. Blend on HIGH for 2-3 minutes until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Mix in Spinach

Pour the blended mixture into a medium-sized bowl. Fold in thawed spinach until well combined.

Step 6: Assemble in Casserole Dish

Spread half of your marinara sauce evenly at the bottom of a 10×7 casserole dish. One by one, fill each shell with a generous spoonful of ricotta mixture. Nestle them into the marinara sauce. Cover with remaining marinara sauce.

Step 7: Add Cheese (Optional)

If desired, sprinkle dairy-free cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor before baking.

Step 8: Bake

Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Step 9: Final Touches

If you’ve added cheese, remove foil during the last 5-10 minutes to allow it to melt beautifully over the shells.

Step 10: Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped basil if desired before serving these delicious Vegan Stuffed Shells! Enjoy!

How to Serve Vegan Stuffed Shells

Vegan Stuffed Shells are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these shells can be paired with a range of accompaniments that enhance their flavor and presentation.

With Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes adds freshness.
• Caesar-Inspired Salad: Use a vegan Caesar dressing for a classic twist, complementing the richness of the stuffed shells.

With Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic and olive oil pairs perfectly, providing a crunchy contrast.
• Herbed Vegan Butter Spread: Mix herbs into plant-based butter for an aromatic spread on your garlic bread.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Seasonal Roasted Veggies: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus adds color and nutrition to the meal.
• Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Drizzle roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze for added depth of flavor.

How to Perfect Vegan Stuffed Shells

To achieve the best Vegan Stuffed Shells possible, consider these helpful tips that ensure your dish is bursting with flavor and texture.

• Bold Flavor Combinations: Experiment with additional spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Properly Drain Spinach: Squeeze out as much liquid from the spinach as possible to prevent soggy shells.
• Use Quality Marinara Sauce: A rich marinara enhances the overall taste; choose one with minimal additives or make your own.
• Adjust Consistency: If the ricotta mixture is too thick, add more oat milk until it reaches your desired creaminess.
• Fresh Herbs Enhance Flavor: Adding fresh basil or parsley just before serving brightens up the dish immensely.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Stuffed Shells

When serving Vegan Stuffed Shells, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for dipping into marinara sauce and adds a satisfying crunch.
2. Caprese Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes and vegan mozzarella drizzled with balsamic vinegar makes for an elegant side.
3. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus spears bring a vibrant green touch to your plate.
4. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing offers a nutritious boost.
5. Grilled Zucchini: Seasoned and grilled zucchini slices provide a smoky flavor that complements the shells well.
6. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and roasted until crispy, these add texture and flavor to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Stuffed Shells, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture of your dish.

• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the shells too long will make them mushy. Boil them just until al dente for the best texture.
• Skipping the Soaking Step: Not soaking cashews can lead to a grainy filling. Soak them in hot water for 10-15 minutes to ensure a creamy consistency.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Tasting is key! Failing to adjust seasonings can result in bland filling. Always taste and modify as needed before stuffing.
• Not Removing Excess Water from Spinach: Leaving water in spinach can make your filling watery. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing it with the other ingredients.
• Forgetting to Preheat the Oven: Baking in a cold oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven before placing the dish inside for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Vegan Stuffed Shells

• Place cooled stuffed shells in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Vegan Stuffed Shells

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or marinara sauce over low heat until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Vegan Stuffed Shells.

Can I use gluten-free pasta for Vegan Stuffed Shells?

Yes, you can use gluten-free jumbo shells without compromising the flavor or texture of your dish.

What other fillings can I add to Vegan Stuffed Shells?

Feel free to mix in different vegetables or spices into the filling. Roasted red peppers or artichokes would add great flavor!

How do I make Vegan Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

You can prepare the shells and filling ahead of time, assemble them, then refrigerate or freeze before baking.

What is the best sauce for Vegan Stuffed Shells?

A rich marinara sauce complements these shells beautifully, but feel free to experiment with pesto or homemade tomato sauce!

Final Thoughts

Vegan Stuffed Shells are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding different vegetables or spices to suit your taste. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, ensuring everyone enjoys a comforting plant-based meal.