Description
Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the ultimate cozy fall dinner — a rich blend of creamy ricotta, savory pumpkin puree, melted cheese, and warm autumn spices. This comforting baked pasta dish is easy enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
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20 jumbo pasta shells
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1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
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1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped)
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½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 large egg
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2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Fresh parsley or sage leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook Pasta Shells: Boil shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
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Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, sage, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until creamy.
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Assemble: Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the pumpkin ricotta mixture and place them in the dish, open side up.
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Top & Bake: Cover the shells with remaining sauce, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, drizzle with olive oil, and cover with foil.
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Bake: Bake for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or sage before serving.
Notes
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For extra creaminess, stir 2 tablespoons of cream cheese into the filling.
You can make this dish ahead — refrigerate overnight and bake before serving.
Substitute lasagna noodles if jumbo shells are unavailable.
Pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and garlic bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg