Learn how to make the best Vegan Stuffed Ricotta Shells with an unbelievable dairy-free almond ricotta and spinach mixture! Nobody will believe this is oil-free or vegan. It is the epitome of delicious comfort food!
VEGAN STUFFED RICOTTA SHELLS WITH SPINACH
We all needed a delicious dish to use up that fabulous Vegan Ricotta Cheese I just posted, right? Of course, I shared it on pizza, but my goal all along was for these Vegan Stuffed Ricotta Shells.
FAVORITE MEAL BEFORE GOING VEGAN
Without a doubt, one of my husband’s favorite dishes I used to make years ago before we went vegan, was stuffed ricotta shells. Now, of course those were dairy-filled and we haven’t had stuffed shells in almost 6 years now. It. Was. Time. Not only do these taste just like the dairy version but my husband absolutely loved them and said “this is fantastic!” He also suggested this was the perfect dish to impress guests with. Not only is it beautiful and colorful, but it is so good and filling. Hey, it’s pasta! I asked for any suggestions on changes and he said, “not a thing”. Then I had my daughter taste it, she gestured 2 thumbs up and said “super yummy!” so there you have it. Of course, when I had a taste, I was ecstatic at how delicious it was.
HOW DO YOU MAKE VEGAN STUFFED RICOTTA SHELLS?
First, make my Vegan Ricotta Cheese.
Next, make the pizza sauce (see directions).
Spread 1 cup of the sauce at the bottom of the baking dish.
Add the cooked spinach to the bowl of the ricotta cheese.
Mix the ricotta cheese with the cooked spinach, salt and Italian seasoning until it is well mixed like this.
Fill the pasta shells with about 2 heaping tablespoons of the ricotta mixture.
Spread the remaining 2 cups of sauce in and around the pasta shells. Drizzle the centers across all of the shells. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil. Devour and come back and tell me that isn’t one of the yummiest dishes ever!
I’m telling you, this dish is so filling, delicious and healthy. Yet, it is totally vegan and oil-free!
Next time guests come over, prepare this dish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser both visually and for making very happy tummies.
This dish is the very definition of comfort food. You know me and comfort food go hand in hand. Speaking of comfort food, have you tried this Vegan Cheesy Mexican Tortilla Bake?
MORE VEGAN PASTA RECIPES
- Best Vegan Garlic Alfredo
- Garlic Kale Pesto Pasta
- Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- Creamy Chili Sauce with Zucchini, Spinach and Pasta
- 20 Minute Alfredo
- Pimento Cream Sauce
- Creamy Vegan White Wine Sauce
Vegan Stuffed Ricotta Shells
Ingredients
- 16 jumbo pasta shells
- 10 oz package fresh spinach (do not use frozen!)
- 3 cups (720g) of my homemade pizza sauce (you'll have to double the recipe, see NOTE)
- 1 batch of my homemade ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- fresh basil for garnish
NOTE
- I used my homemade pizza sauce for this because it really has so much more flavor than jarred marinara and only takes 5 mins to make, but use what you like, knowing that the dish will take on the flavor you choose. If using my pizza sauce, you'll need to double the recipe and will be left with 1 extra cup of sauce and just use that for a pizza or another pasta dish.
Instructions
- First, make the ricotta cheese. You will need a day in advance for this or to start soaking the almonds in the early morning to make this for dinner the day of.
- Add 5 quarts (20 cups) water to a large pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add 1/2 tablespoon of salt and the pasta shells. Give it a stir and cook until almost aldente, about 9 minutes. You want the shells just slightly undercooked since they will finish cooking in the oven and don't want them mushy or falling apart.
- Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water and set aside for a minute.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and get out a 9x13 baking dish.
- While the pasta is boiling, add the spinach to a large pan over medium-low heat with 2 tablespoons water. Cook, stirring constantly until it is just wilted-you don't want to overcook it, about 3-5 minutes. Add the cooked spinach to a strainer and let it cool a couple of minutes. Pick the spinach up with your hands and squeeze to strain the excess water, trying hard to get as much out as you can.
- Add the ricotta cheese to a large bowl with the spinach, Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to mix very well.
- To the baking dish, add 1 cup of the pizza sauce and spread it out across the bottom. Stuff all the shells with about 2 heaping tablespoons of the ricotta mixture carefully and place into the dish, giving a bit of space in between each one.
- Spoon the remaining 2 cups of sauce in between and around the edges of the shells and a drizzle of it over the center of the shells (see photo). This allows the beauty of the shells to still be seen but still soak up some of that yummy sauce.
- Place a piece of foil over the dish and bake for 30 minutes until piping hot and bubbly. You won't technically see the bubbling, but you will hear it. Remove and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
I’ve made these stuffed shells many times, but I’m appreciating Brandi’s wonderful recipes once again as I make them to serve for our large family Christmas Eve gathering tomorrow. This dish is always a huge hit with both vegan and carnivores! We have so many Vegan 8 recipes that have found their way into our family standards that I am very thankful. May you have a wonderful holiday season, Brandi!
This made me extremely happy to read Janis, thank you so much for this wonderful comment and your kind words! I am extremely grateful for you as well!
I just made this tonight. That ricotta reminds me of my husband’s Italian grandma’s recipe. (I did add chopped fresh parsley to the ricotta to mimic hers). Hands down one of the best things I have made from your site. Oh, I also added some chopped artichokes in with the ricotta mixture because I had some to use up. Yum!
Wow, that is wonderful it was such a hit, thank you Abby!
Even my hardcore carnivore dad seemed to luv this! It was even more delicious the day after so next time, I’ll try to resist eating til 1 to 2 days after baking. The ricotta cheese would’ve been superb in vegan lasagna…. Definitely one of my fave recipes now.
I’ve used this ricotta to make vegan lasagna. It works wonderfully. I’ve also topped the lasagna with the potato cheese sauce from the Vegan 8 Baked Ziti recipe. And by the way, the Vegan 8 Baked Ziti is the bomb as well!
How big are those pasta shells when dry and when cooked?
Loved this recipe so much we used it for our wedding. It was a hit with non-vegans, they didn’t know it was vegan and really enjoyed it. Which was a huge relief trying to make everyone happy while not having animals on the menu, which was important to me. Thank you!!
Woohoo! Love hearing that!
This is everything! It’s easy. It’s filling. It’s pretty. And it is the most delicious dish ever!
Make it ! You will be very happy
Thanks so much Tracy!
My family was completely blown away by this dish! The ricotta is to die for. A new family favorite for sure.
This recipe is a huge favorite. The stuffed shells are always a big hit. One question – Can these be frozen? My daughter is due with her second child in about six weeks and I’d love to make a batch ahead to be reheated and enjoyed whenever.
Marsha I’m so sorry I missed this! I’ve never tried freezing them, but I believe it should turn out ok!
Made this tonight and my Italian husband and I LOVED it!!! It was perfect!!! I only had cashew vegan yogurt so I added a tiny bit more salt and some more vinegar. Thanks so much—we really appreciate it!!!
Yay, that is so awesome to hear!!
This is so delicious! I still can’t get over it. The leftovers actually tasted even better! It’s like all the flavors got together & had a party in the fridge. Lol! So incredibly good! It was well worth the effort (the silly shells kept slipping out of my hands!) & I will definitely make this again!
Best thing I’ve ever made. You absolutely must make these. Jaw dropping good
Aww yay! Wow, that’s awesome to hear!