dinner

Stuffed Shells

These stuffed shells are my go-to cozy dinner when I want to feel like I'm wrapped in a warm hug - loaded with creamy tofu and my favorite herbs, they never fail to satisfy.

Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 40 min
Total Time: 70 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: medium
Stuffed Shells - Vegan recipe hero image

I remember the first time I made these stuffed shells; it was a chilly Sunday evening, and I wanted something comforting but still nourishing.

I discovered that letting the tofu filling sit for a bit really lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

This recipe means a lot to me because it's a reminder that vegan meals can be just as hearty and satisfying as their traditional counterparts.

Plus, they're always a hit at family gatherings, even with the non-vegans!

What Makes This Recipe Special

  • Made with simple, plant-based ingredients that are easy to find
  • No animal products - completely vegan and cruelty-free
  • Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike
  • Delicious results that everyone will love, vegan or not

Ingredients & Substitutions

Tofu really is the magic ingredient here, making the filling super creamy. If you don't have nutritional yeast, don't worry; I've left it out before and still loved the result. And if you want a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling adds a nice kick.

Tips & Notes

  • I usually make the filling a day ahead and pop it in the fridge; it makes assembling so much quicker when I'm short on time.
  • If you have some mushrooms lying around, chop them up and add them to the filling for an earthy twist.
  • When I'm in a hurry, I skip the baking dish and line the shells up in my biggest cast-iron skillet; it works like a charm.

Recipe Variations

  • Sometimes I'll switch up the herbs and use fresh basil if I have it - it gives the filling a lovely, fresh flavor.
  • For a fun twist, my friend Jess swears by adding a handful of spinach to the filling for extra greens.

Storage & Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, while jumbo shells are traditional, you can use any large pasta shape that can be stuffed.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.

Rate this Recipe

Loading votes...

You May Also Like

These stuffed shells are my go-to cozy dinner when I want to feel like I'm wrapped in a warm hug - loaded with creamy tofu and my favorite herbs, they never fail to satisfy.

Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 40 min
Total Time: 70 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: medium

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. 3

    In a large mixing bowl, crumble the pressed tofu with your hands until it resembles ricotta cheese.

  4. 4

    Add the nutritional yeast, chopped spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the crumbled tofu. Mix until well combined.

  5. 5

    Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

  6. 6

    Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the tofu filling using a spoon or your hands.

  7. 7

    Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up, and pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.

  8. 8

    Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

  9. 9

    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until heated through.

  10. 10

    Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

#baked#comfort-food#cozy#creamy#dinner#family-friendly#herb-filled#high-fiber#homemade-sauce#italian#meal-prep#nutritional-yeast#spinach#stuffed-shells#tofu#vegetarian#weeknight#whole-food-plant-based

Comments

Loading comments...