Vegetarian Stuffed Shells Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas

Stuffed shells are a classic comfort food that bring warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. This vegetarian stuffed shells recipe takes the beloved Italian dish and elevates it with a fresh, wholesome filling packed with ricotta, spinach, and herbs.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these pasta shells stuffed with a creamy and flavorful vegetable mixture deliver a delicious and hearty meal that even meat-eaters will adore.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is easy to follow and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy cooks. The combination of tender pasta, rich cheese, and vibrant greens baked in a savory tomato sauce creates a dish that’s both nutritious and indulgent.

Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak extra veggies onto everyone’s plate!

If you love Italian cuisine or want to explore more vegetarian dishes, don’t miss our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners. Now, let’s dive into this delicious vegetarian stuffed shells recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian stuffed shells recipe stands out for several reasons. First, the filling is both creamy and flavorful thanks to the combination of ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and herbs like basil and parsley.

The use of fresh ingredients really elevates the dish, making it taste vibrant and homemade.

Second, it’s a versatile recipe. You can easily customize the filling by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite vegetables, and swap out cheeses if you prefer.

The tomato sauce can be store-bought or homemade, depending on your time and preference.

Finally, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Its hearty yet healthy nature makes it perfect for vegetarians and omnivores alike.

It also reheats beautifully, so leftovers make for quick lunches or dinners. It’s comforting, nutritious, and a wonderful way to showcase Italian flavors in a meatless meal.

Ingredients

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Optional: 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish (9×13 inch works well)
• Spoon or small scoop for filling shells
• Aluminum foil
• Grater (for cheese)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the shells and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add vegetables (optional): If using mushrooms or zucchini, add them now and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped basil, parsley, and cooked vegetables/spinach mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Stuff the shells: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture. Be generous but avoid overfilling to prevent the shells from breaking.
7. Assemble the dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce.
8. Add remaining sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
9. Bake the shells: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Serve warm: Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

“To avoid overcooked, mushy pasta shells, be sure to cook them just until al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.”

If you want to make this recipe vegan, try substituting ricotta with a cashew-based cheese or tofu ricotta. You can also use vegan mozzarella alternatives available in many stores.

For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or red pepper flakes to the filling. If you love mushrooms, sautéed cremini or portobello add a wonderful umami depth.

Feel free to swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green twist. For a heartier version, add cooked lentils or chickpeas to the cheese mixture.

Don’t forget to check out our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for more delicious ways to enjoy leafy greens.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these vegetarian stuffed shells with a simple side salad of mixed greens dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a light and refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs wonderfully, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

If you want to keep the meal lighter, steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli make excellent accompaniments. For a heartier meal, add a bowl of our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating to start.

Conclusion

Vegetarian stuffed shells are a comforting and delicious meal that brings together creamy cheese, fresh greens, and savory tomato sauce in a way that delights the palate. This recipe is not only straightforward to prepare but also flexible enough to accommodate your favorite vegetables and cheeses.

Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week, these stuffed shells offer a hearty and satisfying option that everyone will love.

By incorporating fresh herbs and quality ingredients, you elevate this classic Italian dish to something special and memorable. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and pairings to make it your own.

For more inspiration on vegetarian cooking, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to complement your culinary adventures.

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