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Pumpkin & Gouda Stuffed Shells

Creamy Pumpkin & Gouda Stuffed Shells for Cozy Nights

Delight in warming flavors with these Pumpkin & Gouda Stuffed Shells, perfect for cozy nights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Shells
  • 12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells Opt for other large pasta varieties if needed.
For the Filling
  • 1 cup Canned Pumpkin Puree Fresh roasted pumpkin enhances sweetness.
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Mascarpone can offer a richer alternative.
  • 1 cup Smoked Gouda Cheese Feel free to use mozzarella or ricotta as substitutes for a milder taste.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to suit your palate.
  • 0.5 tsp Pepper Adjust to suit your palate.
For the Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter You can use salted butter but tread lightly.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half can lighten it up if preferred.
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast is an excellent vegan substitute.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Sage Use dried sage as a last-minute alternative if fresh isn't available.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • medium saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • teaspoon
  • Piping Bag

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them for about 9-11 minutes, or until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the shells in a colander and rinse them gently under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow them to cool while you prepare the filling.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, and smoked Gouda cheese. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh sage for aromatic flavor. Stir everything together until well blended, ensuring a creamy consistency.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a teaspoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each pasta shell with the creamy pumpkin and Gouda filling, ensuring they are well-stuffed but not overflowing.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it as it cooks, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour half of the brown butter sauce evenly over the stuffed shells in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining smoked Gouda on top, ensuring the cheesy goodness seeps into every nook and cranny. Drizzle a bit more of the sauce on the shells.
  6. Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffed shells are heated through and bubbly. Once done, drizzle the reserved brown butter sauce over the top before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

To ensure creaminess, make the brown butter sauce right before baking. Stuffing may be prepared a day in advance.

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