Best Vegan Tofu Manicotti Recipe for Easy Dinner Ideas

If you’ve been searching for a delightful, hearty, and completely plant-based meal, look no further than this best vegan tofu manicotti recipe. Manicotti is traditionally a rich Italian dish filled with cheese and baked in marinara sauce, but this vegan version swaps dairy for creamy tofu and wholesome vegetables, keeping all the comforting flavors intact.

It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a classic comfort food without any animal products. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this recipe is sure to impress with its texture, flavor, and ease of preparation.

Filled with protein-packed tofu and savory herbs, this dish delivers a luscious, cheesy taste that’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch. Plus, it’s a great recipe for entertaining or meal prepping since it reheats beautifully.

Paired with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread, this vegan manicotti will become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to dive in?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan tofu manicotti recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a creamy, flavorful filling without any dairy or eggs.

The tofu provides a perfect base for the “ricotta” filling, giving you that familiar texture you crave in a manicotti dish.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the herbs and vegetables to suit your taste preferences.

It’s also a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious option that will leave you feeling satisfied.

Finally, this dish freezes well and makes excellent leftovers, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, it’s a great way to impress vegan and non-vegan guests alike with a comforting Italian classic!

Ingredients

• 12 manicotti pasta shells (gluten-free if preferred)
• 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
• 1/4 cup vegan parmesan cheese (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowl
• Colander
• 12×9 inch baking dish
• Food processor or blender (optional for smoother filling)
• Spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the baking dish lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the manicotti shells in salted boiling water for about 7-8 minutes or until al dente. Be careful not to overcook as they will bake further later. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside on a clean towel to dry.
3. Prepare the tofu filling: In a mixing bowl, crumble the pressed tofu until it resembles ricotta cheese. Add the chopped spinach, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, basil, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined. For a creamier texture, pulse this mixture a few times in a food processor.
4. Fill each manicotti shell with the tofu mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta.
5. Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in the baking dish in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure each shell is well-covered.
7. Sprinkle vegan parmesan cheese over the top if using. This will add a nice golden crust after baking.
8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the edges of the manicotti start to brown slightly.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.

Tips & Variations

“Pressing your tofu properly is key to getting the right texture for your filling. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu block in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for at least 20 minutes.”

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers to the filling. You can also swap the spinach for kale or swiss chard for a different green component.

If you want a cheesier flavor, increase the nutritional yeast or add a splash of vegan cream cheese to the mixture. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free manicotti shells or substitute with large gluten-free pasta tubes.

Don’t have manicotti shells? Large cannelloni or jumbo pasta shells work just as well.

Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Looking for a quick sauce alternative? Try this Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy twist on the classic marinara.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan tofu manicotti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or vegan focaccia make excellent accompaniments to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.

For a full Italian-inspired meal, serve it alongside a light dessert like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe, which offers a sweet and refreshing finish to your dinner.

Conclusion

This best vegan tofu manicotti recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite without compromising on flavor or texture. The creamy tofu filling combined with fresh herbs and savory marinara makes this dish a satisfying and nutritious meal for vegans and non-vegans alike.

It’s straightforward to prepare, customizable with your favorite veggies, and perfect for preparing ahead or freezing for later.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or simply craving a comforting plant-based meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Don’t forget to explore some of our other recipes like the Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe for a seafood twist or the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Happy cooking and buon appetito!

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