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Irresistible Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce

Irresistible Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce Bliss

Discover the comforting flavors of Irresistible Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce, perfect for fall dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Shells
  • 20 pieces Jumbo Shells Can use other large pasta, like manicotti.
For the Filling
  • 15 oz Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese Substitution: Cottage cheese for a lighter option.
  • 8 oz Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese Substitution: Provolone for a sharper flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, Grated Substitution: Grana Padano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Rosemary, Minced Substitution: Sage or thyme for variation.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg Use sparingly to avoid overpowering.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Adjust according to preference.
For the Pumpkin Cream Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Substitution: Olive oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves, Minced Substitution: Shallots for a milder flavor.
  • 1 cup Pumpkin Puree Substitution: Butternut squash puree.
  • 1/2 cup Half and Half Substitution: Cream or milk for a lighter sauce.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Prepare the Dish
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and gently add the jumbo shells. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they reach an al dente texture. Carefully drain the shells and cool them under running water.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in a pinch of nutmeg and cook for another minute. Gradually whisk in the pumpkin puree and half-and-half, followed by grated Parmigiano and minced rosemary, until the sauce is smooth.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta, mozzarella, remaining Parmigiano, minced rosemary, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir vigorously until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
  4. Carefully spoon the cheese filling into each cooked jumbo shell, packing it in without overfilling. Place each shell seam side up directly into the warm pumpkin cream sauce in the saucepan.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If desired, sprinkle additional mozzarella on top of the stuffed shells. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the tops are golden.
  6. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to allow the pumpkin cream sauce to thicken slightly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze unbaked shells for a quick meal another day.

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