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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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