Vegan Manicotti Recipe Easy and Delicious Dinner Idea

Manicotti is a classic Italian pasta dish that’s traditionally filled with ricotta cheese and baked in a rich tomato sauce. But what if you want to enjoy this comforting meal without any animal products?

Enter our delicious vegan manicotti recipe! This dish swaps out dairy for creamy tofu and nutritional yeast to recreate that luscious, cheesy texture and flavor, making it perfect for anyone following a plant-based diet or simply looking to try something new.

Whether you’re cooking for vegans, vegetarians, or curious food lovers, this recipe promises a hearty, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare.

From the tender pasta tubes stuffed with a savory spinach and tofu filling to the vibrant marinara sauce that ties everything together, you’ll find every bite delightful. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens while enjoying a traditional Italian favorite.

Ready to impress your family or friends with a vegan twist on manicotti? Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan manicotti recipe is a game-changer for plant-based cooks craving a cheesy, comforting pasta dish. It’s packed with protein from tofu, rich in flavor thanks to fresh herbs and nutritional yeast, and free from dairy and eggs.

Unlike some vegan dishes that require hard-to-find ingredients, this recipe uses simple pantry staples.

It’s also incredibly versatile—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal.

The creamy filling combined with a robust tomato sauce creates layers of texture and taste that will satisfy even the most devoted cheese lovers.

Ingredients

• 12 manicotti pasta tubes (or jumbo pasta shells as a substitute)
• 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional but recommended)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Baking dish (9×13 inches recommended)
• Spoon or piping bag for filling pasta
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil.
2. Cook the manicotti pasta tubes in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside on a clean towel to dry.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Add the spinach: Toss the chopped spinach into the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, crumble the firm tofu with your hands or a fork. Add the sautéed onion, garlic, and spinach mixture. Stir in the nutritional yeast, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded vegan mozzarella cheese. Mix well until the filling is creamy and well combined.
6. Fill the manicotti tubes: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully stuff each pasta tube with the tofu-spinach filling. Be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta.
7. Assemble the dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti tubes in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring each tube is covered.
8. Top with remaining vegan cheese: Sprinkle the rest of the shredded vegan mozzarella evenly over the sauced manicotti.
9. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
10. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier filling, try blending the tofu with a splash of plant-based milk before mixing in the spinach and seasonings.

If you prefer, substitute spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or a mix of your favorite greens for different flavors and nutrients. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.

For the sauce, homemade marinara with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs will elevate the dish, but a quality store-bought sauce works just fine for a quick meal. If you want to add a creamy element, try topping the manicotti with our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Gluten-free manicotti pasta is also available if you need to avoid gluten, just be sure to check cooking times as they may vary.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve your vegan manicotti with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce.

For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or a simple steamed vegetable medley. To round out the meal with a sweet note, why not try our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert?

Conclusion

This vegan manicotti recipe is a perfect example of how plant-based cooking can transform classic dishes into flavorful, satisfying meals without compromising on taste or texture. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can enjoy a dish that is both comforting and nutritious.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around a delicious table. Go ahead and give it a try—you might find it becoming a new favorite in your pasta rotation!

For more inspired vegan recipes that complement this dish beautifully, be sure to check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves and explore other creative plant-based meal ideas on the blog.

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