Description
Pumpkin & Gouda Stuffed Shells combine tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy, smoky blend of pumpkin puree, smoked Gouda, ricotta, and fresh herbs, baked to perfection in marinara or béchamel sauce. This comforting fall-inspired dish offers rich seasonal flavors and a satisfying melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Jumbo pasta shells (about 20 shells)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (sage, thyme, or parsley), chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce or béchamel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Jumbo Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain carefully and place them on a lightly greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Make the Filling: In a skillet, sauté the finely chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, smoked Gouda, ricotta, sautéed onions and garlic, beaten egg, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and thoroughly incorporated.
- Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each shell with the pumpkin and Gouda mixture, taking care not to overfill to avoid spillage while baking.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a layer of marinara or béchamel sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells snugly in the dish, then cover evenly with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a golden crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese nicely on top.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for a more vibrant flavor than canned.
- Do not overcook the pasta shells; they should be slightly firm as they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Choose high-quality smoked Gouda to achieve the best smoky taste.
- Allow the baked shells to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set the filling.
- For added texture, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or nuts on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg