Vegan Stuffed Shells

Nothing beats the anticipation of a warm, cheesy dish coming out of the oven, and these Vegan Stuffed Shells deliver just that. The moment you pull them out, the rich aroma of marinara wafts through the kitchen, signaling that dinner is ready. This delightful recipe takes about an hour to prepare and bake, and the creamy filling makes it a standout choice for any meal.

Perfect for vegans or anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, plant-based meal, these stuffed shells are ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. You can also prepare them a day in advance and store in the fridge, making it easy to enjoy a delicious meal anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The creamy cashew and tofu filling creates a rich texture that mimics traditional ricotta.
• It’s easy to make ahead of time, perfect for busy schedules.
• Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it holds its shape when baking.
• The combination of marinara and fresh basil adds vibrant flavor to each bite.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create these tasty shells:

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 block firm tofu, drained
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Califia Farms Oat Milk

For the Shells

• 9 oz package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed of liquid
• 16 jumbo shells (regular or gluten-free)

For the Sauce

• 16 oz of your favorite marinara sauce

For Serving (optional)

• Fresh basil, roughly chopped
• Dairy-free cheese, shredded

Consider using silken tofu for a creamier texture.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use almond or soy milk instead of oat milk.
• Swap out spinach for kale or mixed greens.
• Replace nutritional yeast with vegan parmesan.
• Choose gluten-free shells for a gluten-free version.

How to Make It

Start by preparing the filling, then assemble the shells in marinara sauce.

Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures your stuffed shells bake evenly.

Soak cashews

Place raw cashews in a heat-safe bowl. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and pour over cashews. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to soften.

Cook shells

Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by about 1 minute so they remain very al dente. Once cooked, remove and set on a plate to cool slightly.

Blend filling

Drain the soaked cashews and add to a high-speed blender along with the 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, adding more oat milk if required.

Combine filling

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

Assemble the dish

Set out a 10×7 (or similar sized) casserole dish and pour half of your marinara sauce into the bottom. Using a spoon, fill each shell with the ricotta mixture, nestling them into the marinara sauce as you go. Cover the shells with the remaining marinara sauce.

Add cheese (optional)

If using, sprinkle dairy-free cheese over the top for added creaminess.

Bake

Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling. If cheese was added, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to allow it to melt.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, freeze for up to 3 months, thaw before reheating.
Reheat: Microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake at 350°F until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Be sure to squeeze out excess liquid from the spinach to avoid a watery filling.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference for the filling.
• If using gluten-free pasta, ensure to cook slightly less to prevent breaking.
• Experiment with different marinara sauces for varied flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside garlic bread for a comforting dinner.
• Ideal for a cozy gathering or family meal.