Chickpea Stuffed Shells

Indulge in the comforting flavors of these Chickpea Stuffed Shells, a plant-forward twist on classic Italian fare that's as satisfying as it is nutritious. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy, protein-packed chickpea mixture flavored with garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley, then nestled in a vibrant marinara sauce. For an optional cheesy touch, a sprinkle of mozzarella takes this dish to the next level. Ready in under an hour, this hearty baked pasta is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering a wholesome balance of fiber, protein, and bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Serve with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal! Keywords: chickpea stuffed shells, vegetarian pasta recipes, baked pasta, plant-based Italian dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 pieces Jumbo pasta shells
• 15 oz Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp Nutritional yeast or grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups Marinara sauce
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside to prevent sticking.

Step 3

In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, nutritional yeast (or parmesan cheese), salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture forms a thick, slightly chunky paste.

Step 4

Stuff each cooked shell with about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the chickpea filling, depending on the size of the shell.

Step 5

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 6

Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish in a single layer, open-side up.

Step 7

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells, making sure each shell is lightly covered with sauce.

Step 8

If using, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1179.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1401.8

Total Fat 69.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 20.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 60mg	0%
Sodium 3781.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 136.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.3g	0%
Total Sugars 29.9g
Protein 66.2g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1018.6mg	0%
Iron 12.2mg	0%
Potassium 1152.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.7%

Protein: 18.4%

Carbs: 37.9%