Make this Spinach Stuffed Pasta! A creamy, healthy vegan recipe with dairy-free filling and rich tomato sauce – the perfect plant-based Italian comfort food.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

250g jumbo pasta shells

For the tomato sauce -

2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes
Handful of fresh basil leaves
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
100ml vegetable stock
Salt and pepper

For the filling -

1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
200g fresh spinach
150g plant-based cream cheese
50g plant-based cheddar or parmesan-style cheese
60g walnuts
Freshly grated nutmeg (1–2 rasps)
Salt and pepper

To finish -

Extra basil leaves
Drizzle of olive oil

Method -

Firstly, heat the olive oil in a saucepan and gently fry the garlic until fragrant. Add the basil leaves and the tin of tomatoes, then season with salt and pepper. Pour in the red wine vinegar and vegetable stock and simmer for 30 minutes until rich and slightly thickened. Set aside.

Meanwhile, make the filling. Heat olive oil in a pan and fry the red onion and garlic until softened. Add the spinach and cook briefly until just wilted, then remove from the heat.

Once cooled, place the spinach mixture in a blender with the plant-based cream cheese, grated plant-based cheddar, walnuts, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and leave them to cool so they’re easy to handle.

Spoon the spinach and walnut mixture into each shell. Spread the tomato sauce across the base of a baking dish and arrange the filled shells on top.

Bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes until the filling is warmed through and the top is lightly golden.

Serve scattered with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and extra black pepper.

This Spinach Stuffed Pasta is a comforting vegan dish that combines tender pasta shells with a creamy dairy-free spinach filling. Baked in a rich tomato sauce, it’s hearty, flavourful and completely plant-based. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions or cosy nights in, it’s a recipe that feels indulgent but is made with wholesome ingredients. Serve it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete Italian-inspired meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it just as delicious the next day.