Stuffed shells with pumpkin offer a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish, combining tender pasta shells with a creamy pumpkin filling and rich marinara sauce. This comforting and flavorful meal is perfect for a family dinner or special occasions, showcasing the seasonal flavors of pumpkin in a delicious and satisfying way.
Ingredients:
• 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
5. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the pumpkin filling, then place them in the baking dish seam-side up.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful stuffed shells dish!
Aprile's Kitchen 