Spinach and Tofu Stuffed Pasta Shells

A family-friendly vegan dinner, stuffed pasta shells are easy to get to the table and super fun for the kids to eat. Vary the vegan pasta filling around the seasons — this recipe features spinach, but chard, kale, or any other leafy greens available at the farmers’ market can be seamlessly swapped in.
A family-friendly vegan dinner, stuffed pasta shells are easy to get to the table and super fun for the kids to eat. Vary the vegan pasta filling around the seasons — this recipe features spinach, but chard, kale, or any other leafy greens available at the farmers’ market can be seamlessly swapped in.

Spinach and Tofu Stuffed Pasta Shells

Serves 4

Ingredients:

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• 1 (8-ounce) box jumbo pasta shells

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• 1 pound extra-firm tofu (pressed)

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• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

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• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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• 1 teaspoon Italian spices

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• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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• 1 small onion, diced

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• 2 garlic cloves, minced

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• 6 cups spinach leaves

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• 3 cups your favorite marinara sauce

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• Fresh black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and spray an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente.
 
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine tofu, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper, Italian spices, and nutritional yeast. Mash until well combined and crumbly.

4. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook onion, stirring often, until softened. Add garlic and stir a few times.

5. Add spinach and cook, stirring often, until spinach is wilted. Stir spinach mixture into tofu mixture.

6. Drain pasta into a colander and rinse with cold water. Set on paper towels to drain again and pat dry.
 
7. Fill the shells with the tofu mixture. Pour half of the marinara sauce into the prepared baking dish. 

8. Place stuffed shells in dish and top with remaining sauce. Cover with foil.

9. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil then bake for 10 more minutes. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
 
More delicious vegan dinner recipes!