Air frying pasta is a wonderful way to introduce a crunchy and satisfying texture to a wide range of dishes.
We partnered with Yumna Jawad from Feel Good Foodie, who came up with this fun plant-based take on an Italian-inspired dish: Walnut Stuffed Pasta Shells. Walnut “meat” stuffed pasta shells combine staples of Mediterranean cuisine like mozzarella and tomato with a unique walnut meat mixture that’s enhanced by a delicate Japanese spice blend. The best part is that you can prepare these cheesy and flavorful stuffed shells in 60 minutes or less!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the stuffed shells:
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 1 1/2 cups California walnuts
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Japanese 7 spice blend
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce and chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a satisfying, plant-based meal overflowing with rich flavors.
Boiling the Shells
Start by bringing a pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse the shells under cold water, draining well before setting them aside.
Making the Walnut Meat
Place walnuts in a food processor and process until they’re roughly chopped. Add onion and garlic and pulse until the mixture is evenly ground and resembles ground meat with some small pieces of walnuts and onion visible.
Cooking the Walnut Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add walnut meat and cook for 5 minutes. Add tomato paste, 7 spice seasoning, oregano, salt and pepper and continue cooking for 10 minutes more or until the mixture deepens in color, stirring frequently.
Stuffing the Shells
Fill cooked pasta shells evenly with the walnut meat mixture. Add a tablespoon of mozzarella to each shell before covering it with a second shell, rounded side up, to enclose filling.
Air Frying the Stuffed Shells
Cooking in batches, coat on all sides with cooking spray and place in an air fryer, making sure not to overlap them. Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the shells are golden brown and crisp.
Don’t forget the finishing touches! Serve the stuffed shells with some marinara sauce on the side and top with snipped fresh basil for taste.
Spruce Up Mealtime with Some Bold Flavors
This quick and easy recipe combines the acidity of tomato paste with the tanginess of mozzarella and the nuanced flavor profile of Japanese spices for a unique mix of Mediterranean and Asian-inspired flavors. Add this plant-based dish to your meal rotation to take a break from meat and save time on food prep. These stuffed pasta shells can be the centerpiece of your dinner, an appetizer to keep your dinner guests’ hunger at bay, or a fun weekday snack for the kids (and yourself!). Try making an additional batch of walnut meat to use as a substitute in your favorite family recipes! Learn more here.
