Inspired by: @itslara
Are you searching for an impressive yet easy-to-make vegan Italian dish that's perfect for a special occasion or a cozy holiday gathering? Look no further! This delightful Vegan Stuffed Paccheri Ripieni recipe offers a rich, comforting, and entirely plant-based take on a classic Italian favorite. Imagine al dente paccheri pasta tubes generously filled with a savory plant-based ragu, creamy homemade dairy-free bechamel, and luscious vegan mozzarella, all baked to golden perfection and topped with aromatic herbs.
This recipe is designed for anyone craving authentic Italian flavors without dairy or meat, making it ideal for vegan foodies, those with lactose intolerance, or simply anyone looking to explore delicious plant-based alternatives. It's a wonderful solution for a hearty family meal, a show-stopping Christmas dinner, or a comforting dish to warm you up on a chilly evening. Even if you're new to Italian cooking, itslara's imaginative approach ensures a super tasty result that you'll want to make again and again!
What You'll Need: Ingredients & Equipment
This recipe brings together robust flavors and textures, perfect for a satisfying meal. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your desired serving size.
Ingredients
- For the Paccheri:
- Paccheri pasta (large tube pasta) - enough to fill a baking dish
- For the Rich Vegan Ragu:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz (approx 340g) plant-based ground (such as Beyond Meat)
- 1 (28 oz / 794g) can chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Creamy Vegan Bechamel:
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups plant milk (unsweetened, such as Valsoia or soy milk)
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- For Assembly & Topping:
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella (shredded, such as Violife)
- 1 tsp oregano (dried)
- 1/2 cup Trader Joe's Soffritto Mix (or a blend of finely diced carrots, celery, and onions)
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or Dutch oven for ragu
- Saucepan for bechamel
- Baking dish (approx. 9x13 inch or similar)
- Piping bag (optional, for easier stuffing)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to create your incredible Vegan Stuffed Paccheri:
- Prepare the Paccheri: Cook the paccheri pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. You want them firm enough to handle for stuffing.
- Make the Vegan Ragu: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the plant-based ground, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Pour in the chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce, add italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Whip up the Vegan Bechamel: In a separate saucepan, melt vegan butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the plant milk (or Valsoia bechamel) until smooth and thickened. Season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
- Combine the Fillings: In a large bowl, mix the cooked ragu with half of the vegan shredded mozzarella and some of the bechamel sauce (about half a cup to make it creamy). This mixture will be your pasta filling.
- Stuff the Paccheri: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully fill each pacchero pasta tube with the ragu and mozzarella mixture. A piping bag can make this easier, but a small spoon works just fine.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of bechamel sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange the stuffed paccheri standing upright in the dish, fitting them snugly.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the remaining bechamel sauce evenly over the top of the paccheri, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle with the remaining vegan shredded mozzarella, oregano, and Trader Joe's Soffritto mix. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.
Tips & Variations
- The Best Way to Eat It: As itslara suggests, the secret to experiencing the full flavor explosion is to eat the pacchero whole when you take your first bite! This ensures all the delicious stuffing comes out perfectly.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply use gluten-free paccheri pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Filling Variations: Get creative! Try a mushroom and spinach filling, or a combination of roasted vegetables. For an extra rich touch, you could even add some vegan ricotta cheese to your ragu mixture.
- Different Sauces: While the ragu and bechamel combination is classic, you can simplify by using a rich marinara sauce instead of the ragu, or just bechamel for a "bianco" version.
- Holiday Twist: Add a touch of festive flair by incorporating finely diced roasted butternut squash into the ragu or topping with fresh rosemary sprigs alongside the oregano.
- Bechamel Hack: To ensure a super smooth bechamel, ensure your plant milk is at room temperature or slightly warmed before adding it to the roux. Whisk continuously and vigorously to prevent lumps.
Related Articles
Looking for more incredible vegan pasta recipes or Italian-inspired dishes? Discover these other delightful creations on abillion:
- Delicious Dairy-Free Spinach Tofu Cannelloni - Craving another cheesy, baked pasta?
- Easy Homemade Vegan Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta - Perfect for a hearty family meal!
- Next-Level Creamy Vegan Orzo - Explore another creamy, comforting pasta dish.
- Easy Creamy Vegan Roasted Vegetable Farfalle Pasta (Dairy-Free Weeknight Meal) - A quick and creamy option for any day!
- Authentic Vegan Trofie with Pesto, Potatoes, and Green Beans - Dive deeper into regional Italian vegan cuisine.
Images
A close-up view of the deliciously baked Vegan Stuffed Paccheri Ripieni, highlighting its generous filling.
The impressive presentation of the paccheri tubes, standing tall in a casserole dish before baking.
Get Cooking!
Ready to impress your taste buds and your guests? Give this Easy Vegan Stuffed Paccheri Ripieni a try for your next meal! Share your culinary creations and tag us on abillion – we can't wait to see your delicious results!
