Vegan Stuffed Shells

Vegan Stuffed Shells are an easy and delicious plant-based meal your whole family will love! This comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. The creamy filling made from cashews and tofu offers a rich flavor while the marinara sauce ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s versatile enough for various dietary needs, making it a standout choice for any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can whip up this dish in no time.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The cashew and tofu filling brings a delightful creaminess that mimics traditional ricotta.
• Versatile Dish: Customize with your favorite marinara sauce or add veggies to the filling for extra nutrition.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes cooking much easier. Below are essential items you will need to make Vegan Stuffed Shells.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• High-speed blender
• Casserole dish
• Heat-safe bowl
• Cooking pot

Importance of Each Tool

• High-speed blender: Ensures that the cashews and tofu blend smoothly into a creamy filling.
• Casserole dish: Ideal for baking the stuffed shells evenly while keeping them cozy in sauce.

Ingredients

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

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

How to Make Vegan Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2: Soak 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 helps them blend up more easily).

Step 3: Cook the Shells

Cook shells according to package instructions but reduce cooking time by about 1 minute so they remain al dente. They will finish cooking in the oven. Remove from heat and set on a plate to cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

Drain soaked cashews and add them to a 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, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Mix in Spinach

Pour ricotta mixture into a medium-sized bowl. Mix in thawed spinach until well combined.

Step 6: Assemble the Shells

Set out a 10×7 casserole dish or similar sized dish. Add half of your marinara sauce to the bottom. One by one, spoon the ricotta mixture into each shell, then nestle them into the marinara sauce. Cover with remaining marinara.

Step 7: Add Cheese (Optional)

If desired, sprinkle dairy-free cheese on top before baking.

Step 8: Bake

Cover pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbling.

Step 9: Melt Cheese (Optional)

If you added cheese, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes to allow it to melt.

Step 10: Serve

Serve warm with fresh basil on top if desired. Enjoy your Vegan Stuffed Shells!

How to Serve Vegan Stuffed Shells

Vegan stuffed shells are a delightful and comforting meal that can be served in various ways to enhance the dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to make your dish stand out.

With a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens: Toss together a variety of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for freshness.
• Caesar Salad: A vegan Caesar salad with crispy croutons and a creamy dressing pairs well with the rich flavors of the shells.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Basil Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil on top right before serving for an aromatic touch.
• Chives or Parsley: Chopped chives or parsley can add color and flavor contrast.

Accompanied by Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a classic Italian touch.
• Breadsticks: Soft, vegan breadsticks are perfect for dipping into leftover marinara sauce.

Drizzled with Balsamic Glaze

• Sweet and Tangy Finish: A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy note that complements the savory flavors of the stuffed shells.

With Extra Marinara Sauce

• On the Side: Serve additional marinara sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra saucy shells.

How to Perfect Vegan Stuffed Shells

To ensure your vegan stuffed shells turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Soak Cashews Well: Soaking cashews helps them blend smoothly, creating a creamier ricotta-like filling.
• Cook Shells Al Dente: Cooking the pasta shells slightly underdone allows them to absorb marinara sauce without becoming mushy.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste your filling mixture before baking, adjusting seasoning as necessary for optimal flavor.
• Cover While Baking: Keeping the dish covered with foil during baking helps retain moisture and prevents drying out.
• Let Cool Before Serving: Allowing the shells to sit for a few minutes after baking can enhance flavors and make them easier to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Stuffed Shells

Pairing your vegan stuffed shells with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots roasted until tender bring color and nutrients.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds crunch and is rich in vitamins. Drizzle with lemon juice for added zest.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs offers a nutritious grain option.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes made with olive oil or vegan butter provide comfort alongside stuffed shells.
5. Sautéed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach with garlic is a simple yet flavorful green side that balances the meal.
6. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, vegan mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar create a fresh appetizer option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vegan Stuffed Shells can be a delightful experience, but avoid these common pitfalls.

• Overcooking the shells: Cooking shells too long before baking can make them mushy. Aim for al dente, cooking them for about a minute less than the package suggests.
• Skipping the cashew soaking: Not soaking cashews may lead to a gritty filling. Soak them in boiling water for 10-15 minutes to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Forgetting to drain spinach: Excess moisture from spinach can make your filling watery. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible after thawing.
• Not tasting the filling: Failing to taste the ricotta mixture before stuffing can result in bland shells. Adjust seasoning to suit your preference for optimal flavor.
• Leaving out marinara sauce: Skipping sauce at the bottom of the dish can cause shells to stick. Always layer some marinara before placing your stuffed shells.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best quality.

Freezing Vegan Stuffed Shells

• Place in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
• Best consumed within 1-2 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Vegan Stuffed Shells

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of marinara sauce. Stir gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Vegan Stuffed Shells made of?

Vegan Stuffed Shells are typically made with jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of cashews, tofu, spinach, and seasonings, topped with marinara sauce.

Can I customize the filling for Vegan Stuffed Shells?

Yes! You can add other vegetables or spices to the filling. Mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions.

How do I know when Vegan Stuffed Shells are done baking?

Your Vegan Stuffed Shells are done when the sauce is bubbling and heated through, usually about 30 minutes in a preheated oven.

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

Absolutely! Gluten-free jumbo pasta shells work perfectly if you need a gluten-free option.

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Stuffed Shells are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to please everyone at your table. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and toppings based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how delicious it is!