Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that brings warmth to your table, let me introduce you to my beloved Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells. This dish is a delightful hug in a bowl, blending creamy ricotta cheese and rich pumpkin puree stuffed inside tender pasta shells. It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that makes any occasion feel special. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends and family, this recipe fits right in, bringing smiles and satisfied bellies all around.

What makes these Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells even more special is how easy they are to prepare. You’ll love the way the flavors mingle together, making it a perfect choice for those who crave something delicious yet simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this comforting dish before you know it!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the creamy filling and rich pumpkin flavor – it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the shells ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to eat.
• Deliciously Unique: Combining pumpkin with ricotta offers a unique twist on traditional stuffed shells that will impress guests.
• Comfort Food Delight: Warm, cheesy, and full of flavor – it’s the ultimate comfort food that feels like home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be fun and stress-free! For these Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Shells

• 1 box Jumbo Pasta Shells (about 24 shells)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
• 1 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 Tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 Tablespoon minced fresh sage

For the Sauce

• 1 Jar Rao’s white grape juice Sauce
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

For Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to tweak it according to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Some Greens: Mix in some spinach or kale with the ricotta filling for an extra nutritional boost.
• Cheesy Twist: Swap out mozzarella for your favorite cheese like gouda or fontina for a different flavor profile.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with other herbs such as thyme or parsley instead of sage for a fresh twist.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling for some heat!

How to Make Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Cook your jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until they’re nice and firm (al dente). This step is crucial because you want the shells to hold up when filled later on.

Step 2: Cool the Shells

Once cooked, drain those beautiful shells and transfer them onto a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and gently separate any that are stuck together. Allow them to cool completely before filling – this helps prevent burns!

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

While your shells cool, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. A hot oven ensures your stuffed shells bake evenly, giving you that perfect golden finish.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, one cup of pumpkin puree, parmesan cheese, egg, nutmeg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and minced sage. Mix everything together until smooth. This creamy filling is what makes each bite so delightful!

Step 5: Make the Sauce Mixture

In another bowl, mix together your jarred sauce with the remaining pumpkin puree and heavy cream until smooth. This sauce will create a luscious base for your stuffed shells.

Step 6: Assemble Your Dish

Grab a large baking dish (9×13 works great) and spread about three-quarters of your sauce mixture across the bottom. It creates moisture while baking and helps prevent sticking.

Step 7: Fill Those Shells!

With a spoon in hand, carefully fill each cooled shell with about two tablespoons of that creamy pumpkin-ricotta filling. Place them filling-side up on top of that delicious sauce.

Step 8: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it into the oven at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. This allows those flavors to meld beautifully while keeping everything moist.

Step 9: Cheese Time!

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over each shell generously. It adds that ooey-gooey goodness we all love!

Step 10: Bake Uncovered

Return your dish uncovered back into the oven for another 15 minutes until that cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 11: Optional Broil Finish

Feeling adventurous? For an extra crispy top layer, place your dish under the broiler for just a few seconds – watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Step 12: Serve Hot

Now comes my favorite part! Serve these warm Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells straight from the oven. Enjoy every bite filled with love!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Making these stuffed shells is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right pasta: Jumbo shells are key for holding the delicious filling. If you can’t find them, consider using manicotti as an alternative, which also works great for stuffing.

• Don’t overcook the shells: Cooking the pasta to al dente helps maintain their structure when filled and baked, preventing them from becoming mushy.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh sage adds a wonderful aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but fresh really elevates the dish!

• Mix fillings thoroughly: Ensuring that your ricotta and pumpkin mixture is well combined guarantees each bite is creamy and flavorful. A smooth filling makes it easier to stuff the shells too!

• Cover while baking: Covering the baking dish with foil during the first half of baking helps steam the shells, keeping them moist. Uncovering for the last part allows the cheese to melt perfectly.

How to Serve Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

These Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells are not only delicious but visually appealing as well! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully at your dinner table.

Garnishes

• Fresh sage leaves: Placing a couple of fresh sage leaves on top of each serving adds a pop of color and highlights the herb’s flavor.
• Grated parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of additional parmesan on top just before serving enhances both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. It’s a classic Italian side that complements stuffed pasta beautifully.

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette adds freshness to balance out the richness of the stuffed shells.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots provide a hearty side that will round out your meal while adding vibrant colors to your plate.

• Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli brings a nice crunch and color contrast, making for a well-rounded dinner experience.

With these serving suggestions and tips, your Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells will not only taste amazing but look impressive too! Enjoy this cozy meal with friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, store it, and enjoy delicious comfort food throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffed shells to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells but do not bake them.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil for extra protection.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the shells in a baking dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• For a bubbly topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells:

Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! If you’re looking for alternatives, cottage cheese works well in place of ricotta. Just blend it until smooth for a similar texture.

How can I adjust the flavor of my Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells?

Feel free to experiment with spices! Adding more sage or even some chili flakes can elevate the flavor profile and suit your taste preferences.

Can I make Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just follow the storage instructions above.

What is a good side dish to serve with Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells?

A fresh green salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with these stuffed shells, balancing out the meal with some crunch and freshness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells! They are not just comforting but also bursting with flavor that will warm your heart. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your experience. Happy cooking!