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Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce


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  • Author: Recipes Tasteful
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce


Description:
These Stuffed Shells with Pumpkin Cream Sauce are a fall-inspired twist on a classic pasta dish. Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a rich blend of cheeses, including ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmigiano Reggiano, and then baked in a velvety pumpkin cream sauce flavored with fresh rosemary and nutmeg. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner or holiday gathering, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with the comforting taste of pumpkin.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

  • 26 jumbo pasta shells

For the Filling:

  • ¾ cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
  • 8 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 12 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • ¾ tsp fresh rosemary, minced
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pumpkin Cream Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¾ tsp nutmeg
  • 15 oz pumpkin puree
  • 1 ½ cups half and half
  • ¾ cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
  • 1 ½ tsp fresh rosemary, minced
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool while you prepare the sauce and filling.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cream Sauce

  • In a large sauté pan over low heat, melt the butter.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Stir in the nutmeg and cook for an additional minute.
  • Whisk in the pumpkin puree, half and half, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

  • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, minced rosemary, pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix well until the filling is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Stuff each jumbo shell with the cheese mixture, packing it in gently but firmly.
  • Place the filled shells, seam-side up, into the pumpkin cream sauce in a sauté pan or a baking dish.
  • Optionally, top the shells with additional shredded mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy topping.

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the sauce is heated through.
  • Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

Notes

  • Make-ahead option: Assemble the dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next day for an easy dinner.
  • For a vegan version: Substitute the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as vegan mozzarella, ricotta, and butter.
  • Cheese variations: If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can use goat cheese, provolone, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for the filling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (approximately 4-5 stuffed shells per serving)
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg