Mouthwatering Vegan Stuffed Shells: A Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 24 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cups spinach, chopped
  • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups vegan marinara sauce
  • 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, cooking until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled tofu, nutritional yeast, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  6. Once the spinach mixture is done cooking, mix it in with the tofu mixture in the bowl.
  7. Pour a cup of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  8. Stuff each cooked shell with the tofu and spinach mixture, placing each shell into the baking dish.
  9. Once all the shells are stuffed and placed in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
  10. Sprinkle the vegan mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
  12. Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for boiling the pasta shells
  • Skillet - for cooking the garlic, onion, and spinach mixture
  • Baking dish - for assembling and baking the stuffed shells
  • Large bowl - for mixing the tofu and spinach filling
  • Measuring spoons - for accurately measuring the dried herbs and spices
  • Spatula - for stirring and combining ingredients
  • Oven - for baking the stuffed shells

Recipe variations

  • Instead of jumbo pasta shells, use lasagna noodles and layer the ingredients to make a vegan lasagna.
  • Try using different types of greens in place of spinach, such as kale or Swiss chard.
  • Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the filling for extra flavor.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the taste, such as adding Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta shells or substitute with zucchini noodles.
  • Use different types of vegan cheeses, like a combination of vegan cheddar and vegan Parmesan, or try a homemade cashew cheese sauce.
  • Add some vegan sausage or plant-based ground meat substitute to the filling for a meaty texture.
  • Incorporate other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts into the filling for added variety.
  • For a creamier filling, blend the tofu with a bit of vegan cream cheese or silken tofu.
  • Drizzle some vegan pesto on top of the stuffed shells before baking for a flavorful twist.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a comforting, hearty meal with these Vegan Stuffed Shells. Perfectly cooked pasta shells are stuffed with a flavorful mix of tofu, spinach, and spices, then smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with melty vegan cheese. This recipe is a wonderful vegan twist on a classic Italian dish. It's not only delicious but also quite nutritious! Expect a savory, satisfying dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling full and content. Plus, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy the process of preparing these stuffed shells and the delightful flavors that come with every bite!

Common questions

  1. Can I use regular pasta shells instead of jumbo? No, using regular-sized pasta shells will result in less filling and it may be difficult to stuff them properly. Jumbo pasta shells work best for this recipe.
  2. Can I substitute the tofu with something else? Yes, you can use another protein substitute like tempeh or cooked lentils. However, the texture and flavor may be different from the original recipe.
  3. Is there a substitute for nutritional yeast? If you don't have nutritional yeast, you can omit it from the recipe. However, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, so the final dish may taste slightly different without it.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day ahead and refrigerate them. When you're ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they heat through.
  5. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Stuffed shells, a culinary gem from the kitchens of Italy, have embraced a global reputation of comfort food. Traditionally, these shells are generously filled with a hearty ricotta cheese mixture. However, with the rising popularity of plant-based diets and a growing consciousness towards healthier lifestyle choices, a vegan version of this Italian classic has emerged. This vegan spinoff retains the essence of the original dish by replacing the dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives like tofu and nutritional yeast. It is a testament to the versatility and adaptability of Italian cuisine that it can cater to a wide variety of dietary preferences without compromising on the rich flavors that it is known for.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.