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There’s a comforting warmth that fills my kitchen when I whip up a batch of Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells. The moment that roasted garlic mingles with juicy cherry tomatoes in the oven, it’s impossible not to be entranced by the inviting aroma that wafts through the air. I discovered this recipe during one of those nights when I craved something hearty yet compassionate, and it has since become a favorite for both cozy dinners and entertaining guests.

What I love most about these stuffed shells is how easily they cater to everyone’s tastes—vegan, nut-free, and oh-so-customizable! Filled with a creamy, herby tofu ricotta, each bite bursts with flavor, balancing richness with a refreshing hint of lemon. They’re a delightful departure from the monotonous takeout routine, transforming a simple meal into a heartwarming feast. Plus, you can prepare them ahead of time; a perfect solution for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties! So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this deliciously satisfying dish.

Why are Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells irresistible?

Comforting Warmth: The moment you serve these shells, they wrap everyone in a cozy embrace, perfect for chilly evenings.
Easy to Customize: Whether you’re a devoted vegan, nut-free eater, or just a fan of flavorful dishes, these stuffed shells cater to every taste.
Hearty & Satisfying: With creamy tofu ricotta accentuated by roasted garlic and tangy tomatoes, each bite is packed with delightful flavor.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep, you can assemble them a day in advance or freeze for a future feast.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: They’re sure to impress family and guests alike, making any meal feel special without added stress.

Ingredients
• • ## Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells Ingredients

For the Pasta

Jumbo Shells – These sturdy pasta shells are perfect for holding the creamy filling; gluten-free options are available!

For the Tofu ‘Ricotta’

Firm Tofu – This mimics the texture of ricotta; remember to drain it well for the best consistency.
Miso Paste – A little goes a long way in adding that umami flavor to enhance the ricotta’s depth.
Nutritional Yeast – This provides a delightful cheesy flavor without dairy; it’s a game-changer for vegan recipes!
Lemon (Juice and Zest) – Adds a refreshing tang that brightens up the filling beautifully.

For the Sauce

Cherry Tomatoes – No chopping needed; these gems burst with flavor as they roast alongside the garlic.
Sunflower Seeds – They add creaminess to the sauce without breaking the bank; you can easily swap in soaked cashews if you prefer.
Garlic – Essential for flavor; when roasted, it mellows out and enhances the dish’s richness.

Additional Flavoring

Sage – This herb beautifully complements the other flavors; use fresh for the best taste!
Olive Oil – A splash of this provides necessary moisture for roasting and enhances flavor.

With these wholesome ingredients, your Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells are set to become a heartwarming favorite!

How to Make Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help caramelize the garlic and tomatoes beautifully.
Roast Ingredients: Place whole cherry tomatoes, peeled garlic cloves, and fresh sage on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt, then roast for about 25-30 minutes until caramelized and fragrant.
Cook the Shells: While the vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells until they are al dente (about 8-10 minutes), then reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare Tofu ‘Ricotta’: In a food processor, combine drained firm tofu, miso paste, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and zest. Blend until creamy yet slightly textured—this gives it that delicious ricotta feel!
Make the Sauce: Once the garlic and tomatoes are roasted, blend them together with sunflower seeds until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Dish: Spread a layer of the sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Gently stuff each shell with the tofu ‘ricotta’ and place them in the dish. Once all shells are stuffed, drizzle the remaining sauce over the top.
Bake and Serve: Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to let the top become slightly golden brown.

Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the entire dish in advance and then refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. To maintain the quality, store the assembled shells covered tightly with foil to prevent drying. You can also prepare the tofu ‘ricotta’ and the sauce separately up to 3 days in advance, storing each in airtight containers. When it’s time to serve, simply stuff the cooked shells, pour the sauce over them, and bake until heated through and golden. This way, you can enjoy a homemade meal with restaurant-quality results in no time!

How to Store and Freeze Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells

Fridge: Store cooked stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Freezer: Assemble the stuffed shells but do not bake. Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time until heated through.

Pre-Prep: You can assemble these herby tofu ‘ricotta’ vegan stuffed shells a day in advance and keep them in the fridge overnight for easy meal planning.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture, then uncover for the last few minutes.

Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Variations

Feel free to play with this recipe and discover a world of flavors that suit your taste!

Nut-Free Options: Replace sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds for a similar creaminess, keeping it nut-free.
Herb Swaps: Experiment with fresh basil or oregano instead of sage for a different aromatic experience. Each herb brings its unique flair!
Zestier Filling: Add spinach or kale to the tofu mixture for more nutrition and a vibrant pop of color, ensuring every bite is bursting with health.
Kick of Heat: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into your sauce or ricotta for a spicy twist that’ll warm you right up.
Cheesy Delight: Mix in a little vegan cream cheese to enhance the ricotta’s creaminess and bring a rich flavor that kids will adore!
Savory Boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts into the filling for added texture and depth; it makes for an extraordinary gourmet treat.
Flavorful Sauce: Substitute with store-bought vegan pesto for a herby flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy ricotta.
Gluten-Free Shells: Use gluten-free pasta shells instead of regular ones to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can indulge.

Let your creativity shine as you mix and match these variations, making each batch of Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells a delightful new experience!

What to Serve with Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells?

Elevate your mealtime experience with delightful pairings that harmonize beautifully alongside these stuffed shells.

Classic Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty loaf brushed with garlic and herbs creates the perfect complement, ideal for soaking up the luscious sauce.
Fresh Arugula Salad: This peppery salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the rich stuffed shells, adding a refreshing crunch that awakens the palate.
Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables brings vibrant flavors and textures, enhancing the meal’s overall hearty and wholesome feel.
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup: Serve a bowl of this velvety soup as a comforting starter, layering flavors with every mouthwatering sip.
Lemon-Dill Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa mixed with fresh lemon and dill provides a light, nutritious side that complements the savory filling with zest.
Red Wine: A glass of smooth, fruity red wine pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the shells, creating an elevated dining experience.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse: For dessert, this decadent yet healthy treat offers a silky finish, balancing the meal with a hint of sweetness that won’t weigh you down.

With these delicious pairings, your Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells will shine even brighter, turning a simple dinner into a truly memorable culinary celebration!

Tips for the Best Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells

Firm Tofu Essential: Make sure to use firm tofu for the best texture; avoid silken or extra firm tofu as they’ll yield different results.
Don’t Overblend: When preparing the tofu ‘ricotta,’ blend only until creamy but slightly textured; over-processing will create a smooth paste, losing that ricotta-like feel.
Perfect Pasta Prep: Cook the jumbo shells just shy of al dente; this will prevent them from tearing while stuffing and ensure they hold up beautifully during baking.
Keep It Bright: For a fresh twist, consider adding more lemon juice or fresh herbs to the filling; this will enhance the flavor of your stuffed shells.
Make Ahead Magic: These Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells can be assembled in advance, making them a convenient option for busy weekdays or unexpected guests.

Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells Recipe FAQs

What kind of tofu should I use for the ricotta?
Absolutely, for the best texture, you should use firm tofu. It’s essential to drain the tofu well but avoid pressing it, as that could make it too dry. Silken or extra firm tofu won’t provide the gorgeous ricotta-like texture your stuffed shells will benefit from!

How should I store leftover stuffed shells?
Cooked Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When reheating, I recommend adding a splash of water to keep them moist. They heat beautifully in the oven or microwave!

Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these herby stuffed shells! Assemble them without baking, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. To bake, just pop them in the oven from frozen, adding additional time to ensure they’re heated all the way through.

What if my sauce is too thick?
If you find your roasted garlic and tomato sauce is thicker than you’d like, don’t fret! Just add a little reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. The more the merrier—versatility in sauce is key!

Are these stuffed shells suitable for a nut-free diet?
Very much so! The Herby Tofu ‘Ricotta’ Vegan Stuffed Shells are naturally nut-free. The creaminess of the filling comes from the tofu and sunflower seeds. If you’re serving someone with a nut allergy, this dish is perfectly safe!

How can I prep these shells ahead of time?
You can make these delicious stuffed shells ahead by assembling them the day prior. Simply layer them in your baking dish, cover with foil, and store in the fridge overnight. This makes for an easy meal prep option! Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.