Autumn’s Coziest Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Creamy, comforting shells dance with a delightful pumpkin ricotta filling that promises pure autumn magic.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in this rustic Italian-inspired dish.

Tender pasta shells cradle a rich, velvety mixture that bursts with warm, aromatic flavors.

Each forkful brings a perfect balance of smooth ricotta and earthy pumpkin notes.

Herbs and spices weave through the filling, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.

Cheese lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will adore this elegant yet simple recipe.

Prepare to fall in love with a pasta dish that captures the essence of cozy, homemade cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 352 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything Inside Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta pockets perfect for capturing creamy, rich fillings and providing a delightful texture contrast.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, soft cheese that creates a smooth and luxurious base for the stuffing.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds earthy sweetness and vibrant autumn color to the filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients and provides structure to the mixture.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a subtle, aromatic punch without overwhelming other flavors.
• Sage: Provides a warm, herbaceous note that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the filling's depth.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the creamy sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh ingredient that infuses the sauce with intense, aromatic flavor.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a silky texture.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Provide luxurious creaminess and smoothness to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a golden, stretchy topping.
• Fresh Sage or Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh herbal notes and visual appeal.

Gear That Helps With Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta shells evenly and perfectly.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking and prevent overcooking.
• Mixing Bowl: Critical for combining pumpkin ricotta filling ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Important for blending sauce ingredients without lumps and creating creamy texture.
• Saucepan: Required for preparing garlic cream sauce with even heat distribution.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Necessary for assembling and baking stuffed shells.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping herbs as garnish.
• Spatula: Handy for spreading sauce and filling shells evenly.

How To Make Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells Like A Pro

• Boil Pasta Shells

Cook jumbo shells in salted water until perfectly tender. Drain and let cool while preparing the delicious filling.

• Create Creamy Pumpkin Filling

Blend ricotta with pumpkin, Parmesan, and seasonings until silky smooth. The mixture should feel light and rich with autumn flavors.

• Whip Up Dreamy Garlic Sauce

Melt butter and dance garlic around the pan until fragrant. Slowly introduce flour, then gradually pour in milk and cream while whisking constantly. The sauce will transform into a velvety, luxurious coating.

• Craft Your Delightful Dish

Warm the oven to 375F. Spread a layer of sauce in a baking dish. Gently stuff each shell with pumpkin ricotta mixture. Drizzle remaining sauce over shells and sprinkle with cheese. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes until golden and bubbling.

• Serve With Love

Garnish with fresh herbs and bring this comforting meal to the table. Enjoy the warm, creamy goodness that celebrates fall’s most beloved flavors.

Little Tips For Big Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Flavor

• Perfect Pasta Performance: Cook shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking for a stress-free meal prep.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Swap ricotta with cashew cream and use plant-based milk and butter for a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on creamy texture.
• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach or kale to the pumpkin ricotta filling for extra nutrition and a pop of green color.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free jumbo shells and replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in the cream sauce to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Serve Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells In Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this delightful dish as the star of your evening meal, surrounded by loved ones eager to savor each creamy, pumpkin-filled shell.
• Autumn Harvest Companion: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad topped with roasted pecans and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the subtle pumpkin and garlic flavors.
• Hearty Side Showcase: Add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or butternut squash to create a complete, satisfying meal that celebrates fall's bounty.

Storing Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells Without Hassle

• Fridge-Friendly Storage: Transfer any leftover stuffed shells to an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. They'll maintain their creamy texture and delicious flavor when refrigerated properly.
• Quick Reheating Hack: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore the sauce's creamy consistency. Alternatively, reheat in a 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Freezer Preparation Strategy: Assemble the dish, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Uncooked stuffed shells can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed in the original recipe.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pumpkin ricotta filling and garlic cream sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator, which helps streamline your cooking process and saves time during meal preparation.

Silky Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy pumpkin ricotta stuffed shells bring comfort and warmth to classic Italian pasta dishes. Hearty shells filled with rich autumn flavors offer a delightful meal for seasonal dining. You will savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried sage (or 1 tsp fresh sage, chopped)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Submerge pasta shells in heavily salted water, cooking until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool, creating a perfect receptacle for the upcoming filling.
2. Filling Fusion: Combine ricotta, pumpkin puree, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, sage, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk until achieving a smooth, homogeneous mixture that promises rich flavor and creamy texture.
3. Sauce Crafting: Melt butter in a saucepan, introduce minced garlic, and allow to infuse. Dust with flour and toast briefly, then gradually whisk in milk and cream. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
4. Assembly and Initial Baking: Preheat oven to 375F. Spread a thin sauce layer in the baking dish. Generously stuff shells with pumpkin-ricotta mixture, arranging them carefully. Pour remaining garlic cream sauce over the shells, then lavishly sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan across the top.
5. Final Baking and Presentation: Cover with foil and bake, allowing flavors to meld. Uncover and return to oven until the surface transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. Garnish with fresh herbs, presenting a dish that epitomizes culinary comfort and elegance.

Notes

• Control Pasta Cooking: Boil shells al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring they maintain structural integrity and absorb sauce perfectly without falling apart.
• Balance Moisture Levels: Drain pumpkin puree thoroughly to prevent watery filling, using cheesecloth or paper towels to remove excess liquid for a creamy, consistent texture.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina or goat cheese to add depth and personalize the flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s creamy consistency.
• Accommodate Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives like cashew ricotta and plant-based milk for a lactose-free or vegan-friendly version without compromising rich, comforting taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 67 mg