Walnut Stuffed Pasta Shells

By Feel Good Foodie
Total Time
1 Hr
Serves
5
Serving Size
4 stuffed shells + about 2 tablespoons Marinara sauce
Meal
Dinner
Course
Main

DESCRIPTION

These stuffed pasta shells are saucy, cheesy, and delicious! They're filled with a flavorful mix of spiced walnut meat, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.

Prep Time
20 Mins
Cook Time
40 Mins
Total Time
1 Hr
Calories
600
Total Fat
30
Saturated Fat
6
Polyunsaturated Fat
15.6
Monounsaturated Fat
6.81
Cholesterol
20
Sodium
690
Carbohydrates
64
Dietary Fiber
6
Total Sugars
7
Protein
21
Vitamin D
0
Calcium
250
Iron
2
Potassium
600

Ingredients

  • 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

Preparation

  1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook shells until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain well.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Fill cooked pasta shells evenly with the walnut meat mixture. Place about 1 tablespoon of mozzarella cheese inside then place a second pasta shell over the top, rounded side up, to enclose filling.
  5. 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. Serve with marinara sauce and snipped fresh basil, if desired.