Description
These Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the ultimate cozy fall dinner. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy blend of pumpkin puree, ricotta, and cheese, then baked in marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. It’s rich, comforting, and irresistibly easy—ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped)
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large egg
2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley or sage leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta shells: Boil in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, sage, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until creamy and smooth.
Assemble the dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Stuff the shells: Spoon the pumpkin-ricotta mixture into each shell and arrange open-side up in the dish.
Add toppings: Pour the remaining marinara over the shells and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley or sage, and enjoy warm.
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente shells hold up better when baked.
For extra richness, stir a tablespoon of cream cheese into the filling.
Can be assembled a day ahead or frozen (unbaked) for up to 2 months.
Pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a light green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 3 shells)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg