Description
Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells are filled with creamy ricotta and pumpkin, topped with melty mozzarella, and baked in a rich vodka-pumpkin sauce. This easy fall dinner is full of comforting flavors and perfect for holidays or cozy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
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
1 jar Rao’s Vodka Sauce
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Follow the package instructions and cook the shells just until al dente. Drain and transfer them to a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and gently separate any that are sticking together. Let them cool.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, parmesan cheese, egg, nutmeg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh sage. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the Rao’s Vodka Sauce, remaining pumpkin puree, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread about three-quarters of the sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta-pumpkin mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells, open side up, on top of the sauce.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella over the top of the shells, and return to the oven for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. For an extra bubbly top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
Use fresh sage for best flavor.
Don’t overfill shells.
Make ahead and refrigerate (separate from sauce) for up to 1 day.
Can be frozen before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 21g