Best 2 Vegetarian Pasta Shells Recipes

Vegetarian pasta shells are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or for a more formal dinner party. The shells can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, cheese, and nuts, and they can be baked or boiled. Whether you are a vegetarian or meat-eater, you are sure to find a vegetarian pasta shell recipe that you will love.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

VEGETARIAN STUFFED PASTA SHELLS

Vegetarian Stuffed Pasta Shells image

For the olives, quality counts. Use "gourmet" olives, preferably already de-pitted, for time saving reasons. The apple should be tart and crunchy; I used an Ida Red. (PS: "1 celery" should read "1 celery stalk"; hopefully this will so read.)

Provided by Diann is Cooking

Categories Pasta Shells

Time 1h20m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

30 large pasta shells
1 large eggplant
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
2/3 cup olive, pitted and roughly chopped
1 tart apple, roughly diced
1/2 red onion, medium, finely diced
1 celery, finely diced
1 tablespoon pimiento, sliced
2 ounces capers
2 teaspoons pesto sauce
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
fresh dill

Steps:

For the eggplant: Preheat oven to 350°F Lightly grease a baking pan with a little of the olive oil. Slice eggplant into slices approximately 1/4 inch thick and remove skin. Lightly dab with lemon juice to discourage discoloration. Place slices side by side in baking pan, and brush the tops with the remainder of the olive oil. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of the ground nutmeg over them, and bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove from oven, allow to cool to room temperature, then roughly slice and/or mash the eggplant into small fragments.
For the shells: Follow the directions on the box. Cook a few extra in case some break or adhere to the cookware. Drain and allow to cool.
Combine the eggplant, olives, apple, onion, celery, pimentos, capers, the rest of the nutmeg, the pesto and dill.
Add one tablespoon of mayonnaise to the mix.
Stuff the shells; the above amounts should fill approximately 30 shells.
Chill, and serve.

VEGETARIAN PASTA SHELLS

Vegetarian Pasta Shells image

This colorful entree from Helen Phillips of Horseheads, New York has a lot going for it. It has afresh-from-the-garden taste, it's filling, but not overly high in calories and you can make it ahead of time. Good enough for company, too.k

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1/2 cup diced yellow summer squash
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 egg whites
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups meatless spaghetti sauce, divided
15 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

In a nonstick skillet, saute the onions, carrot and squash in oil until tender. Add garlic; saute 1 minute longer. Stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, egg whites, basil, salt and pepper., Spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce into a 3-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Stuff pasta shells with cheese mixture; arrange in prepared dish. Top with the remaining spaghetti sauce; sprinkle with Parmesan. , Cover and bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 308 calories, Fat 9g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 992mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 20g protein.

Tips:

Choose the right pasta shells: Jumbo pasta shells are the best choice for this recipe as they can hold a lot of filling and sauce. Look for pasta shells that are made with high-quality durum wheat for the best texture and flavor.
Cook the pasta shells al dente: Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, but be sure to remove them from the boiling water just before they are fully cooked. This will help them hold their shape and prevent them from becoming mushy.
Use a variety of vegetables: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Try using a combination of your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
Make sure the filling is well-seasoned: The filling is the star of this dish, so be sure to season it well with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. You can also add a bit of cheese for extra flavor.
Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is another important element of this dish. Try using a tomato-based sauce, a creamy sauce, or a pesto sauce. You can also make your own sauce using fresh ingredients.
Bake the pasta shells until golden brown: Once the pasta shells are filled and sauced, bake them in the oven until they are golden brown and bubbly. This will help to meld the flavors and create a delicious, cohesive dish.

Conclusion:

Vegetarian pasta shells are a delicious and versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. They are perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner. With a little planning and effort, you can create a vegetarian pasta shell dish that will impress your family and friends.