Vegan Stuffed Shells

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds, these Vegan Stuffed Shells are the answer! This dish combines creamy, dreamy flavors with a satisfying pasta shell, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, so even if you’re short on time, you can still serve something truly special.

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and healthiness. With wholesome ingredients like spinach and cashews, these shells are not only tasty but also pack a nutritional punch. Trust me; once you try these Vegan Stuffed Shells, they’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, anyone can make these stuffed shells.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves pasta! These shells are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare them ahead of time and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spinach and creamy filling will have your taste buds dancing with joy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Vegan Stuffed Shells use simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Gather these goodies before you start cooking!

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 (thaw and squeeze out as much liquid as possible)

For the Shells

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

Optional Toppings

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix it up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the greens: If spinach isn’t your thing, try using kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.
• Add some spice: Mix in red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for a kick.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try different brands of dairy-free cheese or make your own from nuts.
• Make it hearty: Add some sautéed mushrooms or diced veggies to the ricotta-like filling for extra texture.

How to Make Vegan Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that when your stuffed shells are ready, they can go straight into a hot oven for perfect baking.

Step 2: Soak the Cashews

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

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Shells

Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions but take them out about a minute earlier than directed. They should be al dente since they will finish cooking in the oven later. Set them aside on a plate to cool slightly.

Step 4: Blend the Filling

Drain the soaked cashews and place them in a high-speed blender along with tofu, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and oat milk. Blend on HIGH for about 2-3 minutes until smooth. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides if necessary! Taste it—you want that flavor just right!

Step 5: Combine with Spinach

Transfer your ricotta-like mixture into a medium-sized bowl and fold in the thawed spinach. This adds nutrition and color to our filling!

Step 6: Assemble Your Dish

Grab a casserole dish (about 10×7 works well) and pour half of your marinara sauce at the bottom. Take each shell one by one and spoon in some of that delicious filling—nestle them right into that sauce! Once filled, cover them with the remaining marinara.

Step 7: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle some dairy-free cheese on top before covering your dish with foil.

Step 8: Bake Away!

Bake those beauties in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until bubbly. If you added cheese, uncover them for the last 5-10 minutes so it gets all melty.

Step 9: Serve with Love

Once they come out of the oven smelling heavenly, serve them warm garnished with fresh basil if you’d like. Enjoy every bite of these Vegan Stuffed Shells—your family will thank you!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Stuffed Shells

These Vegan Stuffed Shells are sure to impress, and with a few simple tips, you can take them to the next level!

• Soak cashews properly: Soaking cashews in hot water for 10-15 minutes not only softens them but also helps create a creamy, smooth texture for your filling. This enhances the overall mouthfeel of your dish.

• Don’t overcook the shells: Cooking the shells just until al dente ensures they won’t become mushy after baking. This keeps your stuffed shells intact and perfectly textured.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Before mixing in the spinach, taste the ricotta mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. This customization allows you to cater to your personal flavor preferences and make your dish truly shine.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add herbs or spices to the ricotta mixture for an extra flavor boost. Garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of nutmeg can elevate your stuffing significantly.

• Make ahead: You can prepare these stuffed shells in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining guests!

How to Serve Vegan Stuffed Shells

Presentation is key when serving Vegan Stuffed Shells! Here are some fun ideas to make your dish look as delightful as it tastes.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil: A sprinkle of roughly chopped fresh basil adds a pop of color and enhances the Italian flair of your meal.
• Dairy-free cheese: If you’ve opted for dairy-free cheese, a sprinkle on top just before serving gives it an appealing melty finish.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover marinara sauce from your plate.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stuffed shells.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots add color and nutrients while complementing the pasta nicely.
• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli brings an extra dose of healthiness to your meal and balances out the richness of the stuffed shells wonderfully.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create a beautiful meal that your family will love! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Stuffed Shells recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, ensuring that you have a delicious, plant-based meal ready to go when you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffed shells to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Prepare the stuffed shells as directed but don’t bake them.
• Place them in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• If frozen, thaw the shells in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil during the last 5-10 minutes if you added cheese.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Vegan Stuffed Shells:

Can I use a different type of dairy-free milk in these Vegan Stuffed Shells?

Absolutely! You can substitute any unsweetened dairy-free milk like almond milk or soy milk for the oat milk without changing the flavor significantly.

How do I make Vegan Stuffed Shells gluten-free?

To make these Vegan Stuffed Shells gluten-free, simply use gluten-free jumbo shells. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

Can I add other vegetables to my Vegan Stuffed Shells?

Yes! Feel free to mix in other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini into your filling for added flavor and nutrition.

Can I prepare Vegan Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble them and keep them stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Stuffed Shells are not just a meal; they are a comforting embrace on your dinner table! This dish brings together wholesome ingredients that even non-vegans will love. I hope you enjoy making this easy recipe as much as I do. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for busy weeknights. Give it a try, and let the flavors warm your heart!