Enchanting Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Autumn whispers its delectable pumpkin ricotta stuffed shells secrets through cozy kitchen moments.

Crisp breezes drift outside while comfort beckons from steaming pasta platters.

Delicate shells cradle a velvety mixture that promises pure warmth and satisfaction.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of rich flavors and textures.

Mediterranean traditions merge with rustic American comfort, crafting something truly magical on your dinner plate.

Each pasta shell becomes a tender vessel carrying memories of harvest celebrations.

Smooth ricotta and earthy pumpkin invite you to savor every incredible bite.

This recipe will transport you to a world of culinary comfort that feels like a warm embrace.

Why Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells Are So Comforting

• Whip Up Comfort: This recipe delivers ultimate cozy vibes with its creamy, rich filling and warm garlic sauce that feels like a hug on a plate. Perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something indulgent and satisfying.
• Foolproof Cooking Adventure: Even novice cooks can nail this dish with straightforward steps and simple ingredients. No complex techniques required – just mix, stuff, and bake for a restaurant-worthy meal that looks impressive.
• Seasonal Showstopper: Pumpkin transforms this classic pasta dish into an autumnal masterpiece. Packed with fall flavors like sage and nutmeg, it celebrates the season's most beloved ingredient in a totally unexpected way.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: From prep to plate, this recipe takes under an hour, making it ideal for busy families wanting a delicious homecooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Minimal effort yields maximum flavor and satisfaction.

What You Need For Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shape perfect for stuffing, providing a delightful vessel for the creamy filling.

• Ricotta Cheese, Pumpkin Puree, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy base with a seasonal autumn twist, rich in flavor and texture.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling and create a smooth, cohesive mixture.
• Garlic Powder, Sage, Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the filling.

• Butter, Garlic: Foundation of the creamy sauce, providing rich and aromatic base.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent for creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy sauce texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty topping that adds extra richness and golden-brown finish.

• Fresh Sage, Parsley: Optional fresh herbs for added color and bright flavor at serving.

Steps To Make Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Cook jumbo shells in a generously salted water pot until they reach that perfect tender-yet-firm texture. Once done, drain the shells and let them cool down on a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Craft Luxurious Filling

• Creamy ricotta cheese
• Smooth pumpkin puree
• Grated Parmesan
• Whisked egg
• Garlic powder
• Chopped sage
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg

Blend everything until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.

Step 3: Create Velvety Cream Sauce

Heat a saucepan and melt butter, then toss in minced garlic. Let the garlic dance and release its aromatic magic for half a minute.

Sprinkle flour and stir continuously for one minute. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce transforms into a thick, luxurious blanket. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble Delicious Masterpiece

Warm up the oven to 375F (190C). Spread a layer of cream sauce across the bottom of a baking dish.

Generously stuff each pasta shell with the pumpkin ricotta mixture and nestle them snugly in the dish.

Cascade the remaining garlic cream sauce over the shells and shower with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

Sprinkle fresh sage or parsley on top. Bring this warm, comforting dish to the table and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips To Get Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells Just Right

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Ensure shells are al dente by salting water generously and testing texture before draining to prevent mushy results.
• Balance Filling Consistency: Gently fold pumpkin and ricotta together to maintain a creamy, smooth texture without overmixing or creating lumps.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Whisk milk and cream slowly while stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, uniform garlic cream sauce.
• Prevent Burning Edges: Cover with foil during initial baking to protect pasta shells from drying out and ensure even, golden browning.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like cashew ricotta and almond milk for a vegan-friendly version of this comforting dish.

Easy Storage For Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Refrigerate leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or warm the entire dish in a preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Freeze prepared shells for maximum 3 months by wrapping the baking dish securely with freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Always check the internal temperature reaches 165F to ensure food safety when warming refrigerated or frozen stuffed shells.

What Pairs Well With Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, creamy sauce, balancing the dish's velvety texture and enhancing the subtle pumpkin and sage flavors.
• Match with Hearty Salad: Create a light arugula salad with toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the shells' decadent, smooth profile and add refreshing brightness.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted brussels sprouts or maple-glazed carrots to introduce a caramelized, slightly sweet element that harmonizes with the pumpkin's earthy undertones.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or herb-infused focaccia to soak up the luxurious garlic cream sauce, providing a delightful textural counterpoint to the tender stuffed shells.

Variations To Try With Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Spicy Autumn Shells: Add red pepper flakes and chipotle powder to the pumpkin ricotta filling for a bold, warming kick that complements the creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Herbed Version: Replace sage with fresh oregano and thyme, then mix crumbled feta cheese into the ricotta filling for a Greek-inspired variation that brings bright, tangy flavors.
• Vegetable Enriched Shells: Fold roasted butternut squash and caramelized onions into the pumpkin ricotta mixture, creating a deeper, more complex vegetable profile that adds nutritional depth.
• Protein-Packed Option: Incorporate cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken into the ricotta filling, transforming the dish into a hearty main course with extra protein and substance.

Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells FAQs

• What makes the pumpkin ricotta filling special?

The combination of ricotta cheese, pumpkin puree, and warm spices like sage and nutmeg creates a rich, creamy, and subtly sweet filling that elevates traditional stuffed shells with an autumn-inspired twist.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure you use vegetable-based Parmesan cheese if you want a fully vegetarian version, and you’ll have a delicious meat-free meal.

• How can I tell if the shells are properly filled?

Use about 2 tablespoons of filling per shell, which allows for a generous amount without overstuffing. The shells should look plump but not bursting, ensuring a perfect balance of pasta and filling in every bite.

• Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through completely.

Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Pumpkin ricotta stuffed shells bring Italian comfort to autumn’s dinner table. Hearty pasta shells cradle a luscious blend of seasonal flavors you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 12 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried sage (or 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta vessels by immersing them in a generously salted water bath, cooking until they reach a tender yet firm consistency. Carefully extract and allow to cool, creating a perfect canvas for the upcoming filling.
2. Craft a luscious blend by harmonizing ricotta with velvety pumpkin puree. Incorporate Parmesan, a whisked egg, aromatic garlic powder, delicate sage, and a gentle sprinkle of salt, pepper, and warming nutmeg. Whip the mixture until it achieves a silky, uniform texture.
3. Initiate the creation of a luxurious cream sauce by gently melting butter in a saucepan. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its fragrance to bloom briefly. Dust with flour and allow it to toast, then gradually introduce milk and cream, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a thick, glossy consistency.
4. Warm the oven to a welcoming 375F. Spread a preliminary layer of sauce across the baking vessel, creating a protective foundation. Meticulously fill each pasta shell with the pumpkin-ricotta mixture, nestling them carefully in the dish. Cascade the remaining garlic cream sauce over the shells, then generously crown with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Encase the dish in foil, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their flavors during an initial baking period. Uncover and return to the oven, permitting the top to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, presenting a dish that promises comfort and sophistication.

Notes

• Ensure jumbo shells are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, maintaining a perfect texture.
• Use fresh ricotta for a creamier, more luxurious filling that elevates the overall dish’s richness and flavor profile.
• Experiment with spice levels by adjusting nutmeg and sage quantities to suit personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, reducing the calorie content without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg