Vegan Creamy Tomato Shells Recipe

Introduction

This Vegan Creamy Tomato Shells recipe is a simple, comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. Made with tender pasta shells, a rich tomato sauce, and smooth plant-based cream, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pasta shells
• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup plant-based cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the tomatoes to break down into a sauce.
4. Step 4: Stir in the plant-based cream and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes until creamy and heated through.
5. Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta shells into the tomato cream sauce, mixing gently to coat evenly. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For added depth, roast the tomatoes before simmering them in the sauce.
• Try using fresh basil or oregano to enhance the flavor.
• Substitute the pasta shells with penne or rigatoni if preferred.
• If you like a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes during the sauté of the garlic.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of plant-based milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned tomatoes work well and can be used directly in the sauce. Choose whole or diced canned tomatoes for best results.

What plant-based cream is best for this recipe?

Cashew cream or coconut cream both blend smoothly and add richness, but you can also use soy or oat-based cream substitutes based on your preference.

Vegan Creamy Tomato Shells Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 109 reviews

A delightful Vegan Creamy Tomato Shells recipe featuring tender pasta shells cooked to perfection and enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and plant-based cream. This comforting dish is simple to prepare, dairy-free, and perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces large pasta shells

Sauce

• 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup plant-based cream (such as coconut cream or cashew cream)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil or fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare Tomato Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to break down and form a sauce, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add Cream and Season: Stir in the plant-based cream to the tomato mixture, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and basil if using.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce in the skillet, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the creamy tomato shells warm. Garnish with fresh herbs or nutritional yeast if desired.

Notes

• Use gluten-free pasta shells if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
• For extra protein, add cooked chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein.
• The plant-based cream can be cashew cream, coconut cream, or any vegan cream alternative.
• Fresh basil enhances the flavor but is optional.
• Reserve a small amount of pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Keywords: vegan creamy tomato shells, dairy-free pasta recipe, vegan Italian pasta, creamy tomato sauce, plant-based pasta