Name: Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Autumn Comfort
Ingredients: 20 large pasta shells; 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 cups marinara sauce

Print Recipe

When you take a bite of Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells, it’s like a warm hug from your grandma wrapped in cheesy goodness. Imagine the creamy, dreamy ricotta mingling with the sweet, earthy pumpkin, all snuggled inside tender pasta shells. rich chicken alfredo with zucchini noodles The aroma wafts through your kitchen, coaxing even the pickiest eaters to come running. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.

I remember the first time I made these delectable shells for my family’s autumn gathering. My aunt declared it “the taste of fall” while my cousin tried to sneak a second helping before anyone noticed. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or festive occasions when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This delicious dish is simple to prepare, making weeknight dinners enjoyable
The rich flavors blend beautifully for a delightful experience that looks stunning on any table
Versatile enough for both casual and festive occasions, it will leave everyone asking for seconds

My family couldn’t stop raving about these stuffed shells at our last dinner party. My cousin went back for thirds and proclaimed them “life-changing.” Who knew pumpkin could make such an impression?

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Large Pasta Shells: Aim for around 20-25 shells; they should be sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
Ricotta Cheese: Choose whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture. It adds richness to the dish that you won’t want to miss.
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree to save time or roast fresh pumpkin if you’re feeling adventurous; both options work wonderfully.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for the best flavor; it adds a salty kick that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a pop of color and nutrients. Sauté until wilted before mixing it into your filling.
Seasonings: Don’t forget salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Italian seasoning! These bring out all the flavors beautifully.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is fine, but you can easily whip up homemade sauce if you’re feeling fancy.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). As it warms up, spray your favorite baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or rub it with olive oil.

Cook Pasta Shells: Boil a large pot of salted water and add your pasta shells. Cook them until al dente according to package instructions—about 10 minutes usually does the trick—then drain and set aside.

Sauté Spinach: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and toss in fresh spinach. Cook until wilted and bright green—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Prepare Filling Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, pumpkin puree, sautéed spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Italian seasonings. delicious pumpkin cream cheese frosting Mix until everything is well blended and creamy; this step smells heavenly!

Stuff Your Shells: Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it generously with the creamy filling mixture using a spoon or piping bag if you’re feeling fancy. savory orecchiette pasta dish Place them snugly in your baking dish as you go along; they deserve some cozy company.

Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells until they are covered but not drowning. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for that golden finish before popping them into the oven.

Bake Until Perfectly Golden Brown: Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. The aroma will be irresistible—I guarantee you’ll be counting down those final minutes!

Now sit back and wait as those Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells transform your kitchen into a cozy haven filled with warmth and delightful scents that make everyone feel right at home. Enjoy! For more inspiration, check out this Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe recipe.

You Must Know

These Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells are creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor
The blend of pumpkin and ricotta creates a rich filling that pairs perfectly with marinara sauce, making this dish an autumn favorite
Plus, they’re a hit at family gatherings!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results when making Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells, cook the pasta al dente first. While it cooks, blend the filling and prepare your sauce to save time and ensure everything is ready simultaneously.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients for your taste. Try adding sautéed spinach for extra greens or sprinkle in some nutmeg for warmth. You can even use different cheeses like goat cheese for a tangy twist!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—about 20 minutes—to maintain their delicious texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To make your stuffed shells extra special, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano in the filling
Ensure your pasta is well-salted during cooking; this adds essential flavor right from the start
And remember not to overstuff; you want a perfect balance of shell and filling!

Cooking these Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells became a family tradition for me during fall gatherings. The laughter and satisfied faces of my loved ones made it all worthwhile!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I freeze Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just assemble the shells, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese works great too! Blend it until smooth for a similar texture and taste that still complements the pumpkin beautifully. creamy cottage cheese orzo.

How do I make the sauce more flavorful?

Enhance your marinara sauce by adding garlic, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of red wine as it simmers. These additions will elevate your dish to new savory heights!