Description
Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a cozy, comforting baked pasta dish filled with a creamy pumpkin and ricotta mixture, aromatic herbs, and melty cheese. Perfect for fall, this golden, bubbly meal brings together sweet pumpkin and savory Italian flavors for a hearty and elegant dinner.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large egg
2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley or sage leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, sage, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the pumpkin ricotta mixture and arrange in the dish with open sides facing up.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or sage if desired.
Notes
Add spinach or kale to the filling for extra greens.
Swap marinara with Alfredo or brown butter sage sauce for variation.
Use butternut squash puree instead of pumpkin for a sweeter flavor.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
Reheat leftovers covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (5 shells)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
