Best Easy Vegetarian Shell Pasta Recipes
Pasta is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all dietary preferences. For vegetarians, it can be a challenge to find delicious and easy recipes that don’t include meat. Luckily, shell pasta provides a perfect base for a variety of vegetarian dishes. From creamy sauces to fresh veggies, here are some of the best easy vegetarian shell pasta recipes to try.
1. Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pasta
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces of shell pasta
– 2 cups sliced mushrooms
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the mushrooms until they release their juices and become tender.
3. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce and serve hot.
2. Caprese Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces of shell pasta
– 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
– 1 cup diced fresh mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and olive oil.
3. Stuff each cooked shell with the caprese mixture.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve.
3. Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces of shell pasta
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
4. Pesto Veggie Shells
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces of shell pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup chopped zucchini
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the cherry tomatoes and zucchini until tender.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir in the pesto sauce.
4. Toast the pine nuts in a separate pan until golden.
5. Top the pasta with toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces of shell pasta
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, combine the fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil.
3. Stuff each cooked shell with the spinach and ricotta mixture.
4. Serve the stuffed shells with marinara sauce.
Q&A:
1. Can I substitute regular pasta for shell pasta in these recipes?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. However, shell pasta works well for these recipes as it can hold the sauces and fillings.
2. Can I make these recipes vegan?
Yes, you can make them vegan by substituting dairy products with vegan alternatives such as almond milk or cashew cheese.
3. How long does it take to cook shell pasta?
Shell pasta usually takes around 10-12 minutes to cook until al dente.
4. Can I freeze these pasta dishes?
Yes, you can freeze these dishes in airtight containers for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to eat.
5. Can I add other vegetables to these recipes?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or even roasted eggplant.
6. Can I use gluten-free pasta in these recipes?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.
7. Are these recipes suitable for kids?
These recipes are generally kid-friendly, but you can adjust the seasonings and flavors according to your child’s taste preferences.