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Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Shells

Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Shells That Will Warm Your Heart

Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Shells are a comforting, vegetarian dish perfect for chilly nights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells or manicotti/cannelloni
For the Filling
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree canned is fine
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese sub cottage cheese if needed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella can substitute provolone or cheddar
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese best if freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder fresh garlic optional
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage fresh sage preferred
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 large egg binds the filling
For Assembly
  • 2 cups marinara sauce layered in baking dish and on top
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling

Equipment

  • large pot
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather ingredients and equipment.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, sage, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until smooth.
  4. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
  5. Carefully fill each shell with the pumpkin ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish.
  6. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella.
  7. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley or sage, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 16gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2450IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 230mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Can be prepared ahead. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.

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