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Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells for Cozy Fall Nights

Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a comforting, easy-to-prepare dish perfect for cozy fall nights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Shells
  • 12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells Ensure they are perfectly al dente.
  • 1 jar Rao's Vodka Sauce You can use homemade if you prefer.
For the Filling
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Feel free to substitute with cottage cheese.
  • 1 cup Pumpkin Puree Canned pumpkin is a great convenience.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated for best flavor.
  • 1 piece Egg Binds the filling together.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Sage Chopped; dried sage can be used in a pinch.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg Allspice can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Substitute with fresh minced garlic if desired.
  • to taste Kosher Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Melts beautifully on top.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream You can swap in milk for a lighter version.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • mixing bowl
  • baking dish
  • spatula
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the jumbo pasta shells, cooking until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the shells and toss them with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, pumpkin puree, parmesan, egg, nutmeg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chopped sage. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together Rao's vodka sauce with the remaining pumpkin puree and heavy cream until smooth.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, spread 3/4 of the sauce evenly across the bottom. Fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the filling and place them seam-side up in the dish.
  5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Optionally, broil for an additional 2 minutes for a golden color. Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 18gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5000IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a celebration of the fall harvest. Allow filled shells to cool slightly before baking to prevent the filling from oozing out.

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