Vegan Stuffed Shells

If you’re looking for a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy, you’ve come to the right place! Vegan Stuffed Shells are one of my all-time favorites. They’re hearty enough to please even the pickiest eaters and packed with wholesome ingredients that make you feel good about what you’re eating. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family, these stuffed shells never fail to impress.

Plus, they’re super easy to make! With simple steps and a few pantry staples, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a regular on your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves pasta! These vegan stuffed shells are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare them ahead of time and bake just before serving—great for meal prep!
• Delicious Flavor: The creamy filling combined with marinara sauce creates a comforting and flavorful dish.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach and cashews, you can feel good about serving this meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! These are simple, wholesome items that create a delicious filling for our shells.

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 dry)

For the Shells

• 16 jumbo shells (regular or gluten-free)
• 16oz of your favorite marinara

Optional Toppings

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

Variations

One of the best things about these Vegan Stuffed Shells is how flexible they are! Feel free to get creative with the filling or toppings based on what you have on hand.

• Add Different Greens: Swap out spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.
• Change Up the Cheese: Try different types of dairy-free cheese or even leave it out entirely for a lighter version.
• Spice It Up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for an extra kick.
• Include Veggies: Mix in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms into the filling for added texture and flavor.

How to Make Vegan Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your stuffed shells cook evenly and the sauce bubbles beautifully when they bake.

Step 2: Soak the Cashews

Place the raw cashews in a heat-safe bowl. Bring 2 cups of water to boil and pour it over the cashews. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. Soaking helps soften them so they blend smoothly into your ricotta-like filling.

Step 3: Cook the Shells

While the cashews are soaking, cook your jumbo shells according to package instructions but reduce the cooking time by one minute. This keeps them al dente since they will finish cooking in the oven. Once cooked, set them aside on a plate to cool slightly.

Step 4: Blend Your Filling

Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a high-speed blender along with firm tofu, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, kosher salt, black pepper, and oat milk. Blend on HIGH until smooth and creamy—about 2-3 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides as needed! Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Incorporate Spinach

Pour your blended mixture into a medium-sized bowl and gently fold in the thawed spinach. This adds color and nutrients while keeping everything creamy.

Step 6: Assemble Your Dish

Get out a casserole dish (about 10×7 inches works great!) and spread half of your marinara sauce at the bottom. Carefully fill each shell with your ricotta mixture using a spoon, then nestle them into the sauce. Top off with the remaining marinara sauce.

Step 7: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you’re feeling cheesy (pun intended!), sprinkle some dairy-free cheese over the top before covering it all with foil.

Step 8: Bake Away!

Cover your pan tightly with foil and pop it in the oven for about 30 minutes or until everything is bubbling deliciously. If you’ve added cheese, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes so it can melt beautifully.

Step 9: Garnish & Serve

Once baked, take your stuffed shells out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. If you like fresh basil, sprinkle some over your dish for that extra touch of flavor!

And there you have it—your Vegan Stuffed Shells are ready! Enjoy every bite of this comforting meal that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Stuffed Shells

Making Vegan Stuffed Shells is a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Soak your cashews – Soaking cashews before blending makes them creamy and helps achieve that dreamy ricotta texture. This step is essential for a smooth filling that will impress everyone.
• Don’t overcook the shells – Cooking the shells just under al dente means they won’t break apart when you stuff them. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, allowing them to absorb the marinara sauce beautifully.
• Taste as you go – Always sample your filling before stuffing the shells. Adjusting seasoning at this stage ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor, making for a satisfying meal.
• Experiment with fillings – Feel free to add extra veggies like roasted red peppers or zucchini to the ricotta mixture for added nutrients and flavor. This makes your dish even more colorful and vibrant!
• Use a good marinara – The sauce is key! Choose a high-quality marinara or homemade version to elevate your dish. A rich sauce complements the stuffed shells perfectly and enhances the overall dining experience.

How to Serve Vegan Stuffed Shells

Presenting your Vegan Stuffed Shells can be as enjoyable as making them! Here are some ideas to help you serve this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil – A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil adds a touch of color and an aromatic flavor that brightens up the dish.
• Dairy-free cheese – If you opted not to bake with it, serving shredded dairy-free cheese on top adds richness and a comforting texture.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread – Perfect for sopping up that delicious marinara sauce, garlic bread adds an irresistible crunch and flavor.
• Simple green salad – A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing brings freshness to your plate while balancing the richness of the stuffed shells.
• Roasted vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus offer a colorful side that complements the main dish beautifully.
• Steamed broccoli or green beans – These bright green sides add nutrition and color to your meal while keeping it light and healthy.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Vegan Stuffed Shells will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on your dinner table. Enjoy sharing this comfort food classic with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Stuffed Shells recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your stuffed shells.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffed shells to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the stuffed shells cool completely.
• Layer them in an airtight freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, label the container with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffed shells overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil for the last few minutes if you want a crispy top.

FAQs

Got questions about making Vegan Stuffed Shells? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common queries:

Can I make Vegan Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! These stuffed shells are perfect for preparing in advance. You can assemble them a day ahead and simply bake when you’re ready to eat.

What can I use instead of cashews in Vegan Stuffed Shells?

If you’re looking for an alternative to cashews, sunflower seeds or blended silken tofu can work well as substitutes while still keeping that creamy texture!

How do I customize my Vegan Stuffed Shells?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers into the filling for extra flavor and nutrients.

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

Yes! While jumbo shells are traditional, you can use any other large pasta shape that can hold a stuffing, such as manicotti or even large conchiglie.

Are Vegan Stuffed Shells gluten-free?

They can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free jumbo shells or pasta. Just check that your marinara sauce is also gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Vegan Stuffed Shells as much as I do! They’re not just a meal; they’re an experience filled with flavor that everyone will love. Whether it’s for family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your table. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends!