In the heart of autumn, few dishes evoke the cozy essence of the season quite like Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce. Imagine sinking your fork into a tender pasta shell, filled to the brim with creamy, spiced pumpkin cookies/”>pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies The aroma wafts through your kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace—ideal for those chilly evenings when Netflix and fuzzy socks become your best friends. snickerdoodle pumpkin bread.
Now, picture this: it’s a family gathering, and you’re the culinary superstar who brought this delightful dish. As everyone digs in, eyes widen in delight, and laughter fills the air. You know you’ve nailed it! This masterpiece isn’t just about flavor; it’s a celebration of warmth and connection that brings people together around the table.
Why You'll Love This Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce
- This amazing Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Ingredients for Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce: For more inspiration, check out this Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: Choose large shells that can hold generous amounts of filling without tearing.
- Cream Cheese: This adds a rich creaminess to the filling and balances out the pumpkin’s sweetness.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or fresh pumpkin for a homemade touch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth of flavor to both filling and sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves infuse your dish with irresistible aroma and taste.
For the Sauce:
- Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its luxurious texture; don’t skimp on this ingredient!
- Nutmeg: A pinch adds warmth and complements the pumpkin beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce:
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook those jumbo shells until al dente. Drain them carefully so they don’t turn into mushy little blobs!
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, pumpkin puree, half of your Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until it’s smooth and creamy—like your favorite Netflix series!
Step 3: Fill the Shells
Using a spoon or piping bag (if you’re feeling fancy), stuff each shell with that luscious pumpkin mixture. Don’t be shy; pile it high like it’s Thanksgiving dinner!
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, pour in heavy cream and let it warm up slowly—just like how you savor those lazy weekend mornings. Add nutmeg and stir well until everything is combined.
Step 5: Assemble Everything
Spread about half of your creamy sauce at the bottom of a greased baking dish. Arrange your stuffed shells over it like little pasta soldiers ready for battle! Top with remaining sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover with aluminum foil (to avoid burning) and bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional ten minutes until golden brown and bubbling—your house will smell heavenly!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Now gather around that table because dinner is served! Enjoy every bite of your Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce while basking in compliments from family or friends eager for seconds (or thirds).
You Must Know About Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce
- This amazing Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta shells according to package instructions while preparing the pumpkin cream sauce in a separate pan. Once both are ready, stuff the shells with your chosen filling, then top with sauce and bake until bubbly.
Add Your Touch to Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or add sautéed spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or sage for a unique twist that suits your palate.
Storing & Reheating Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce
To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through to preserve texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce
- This amazing Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Using fresh herbs can elevate your dish significantly—don’t skip this step if you want restaurant-level flavor.
Be cautious not to overcook your pasta shells; they should be al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Don’t hesitate to taste your sauce while cooking! Adjusting seasonings as you go ensures that every bite is deliciously balanced.
Sometimes, I like to add a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top before serving; it’s always a hit at family gatherings!
FAQs About Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce
What is Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce?
Stuffed shells with pumpkin cream sauce is a delightful pasta dish that combines large pasta shells filled with a rich and creamy pumpkin mixture, often blended with cheese and spices. The pumpkin cream sauce adds a unique twist, providing a smooth and savory flavor profile. This dish is perfect for fall or any time you crave comfort food. It’s versatile too; you can easily add your favorite protein or vegetables to enhance its nutritional value. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
How do I make the filling for Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce?
To prepare the filling for stuffed shells with pumpkin cream sauce, start with cooked large pasta shells. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and canned pumpkin puree. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are combined thoroughly. You can use a piping bag or spoon to fill each shell generously with this flavorful mixture before baking.
Can I make Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare stuffed shells with pumpkin cream sauce in advance! Assemble the dish completely but hold off on baking it until you’re ready to serve. Store the uncooked dish covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. gouda stuffed shells recipe When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply bake it according to your recipe instructions. This makes it an ideal choice for gatherings or busy weeknights.
What can I serve with Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce?
Stuffed shells with pumpkin cream sauce pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. A simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette complements the rich flavors beautifully. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread also provides a great texture contrast and helps soak up any extra sauce. For an extra touch, consider serving roasted vegetables on the side for added color and nutrients.
Conclusion for Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Stuffed shells with pumpkin cream sauce is a deliciously comforting dish that brings together flavors of autumn in a creamy pasta delight. The combination of stuffed shells filled with cheesy goodness and topped with savory pumpkin sauce makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as part of a family meal or at dinner parties, this dish will surely impress your guests. Try making stuffed shells with pumpkin cream sauce today and experience its delightful flavors for yourself!
Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin Cream Sauce is a delightful autumn dish that combines creamy pumpkin filling with tender jumbo pasta shells. This comforting recipe not only fills your home with a warm aroma but also dazzles the dinner table with its vibrant colors. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, these stuffed shells are easy to prepare and customize, making them a go-to comfort food that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo shells in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, pumpkin puree, half of the Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Generously stuff each shell with the pumpkin mixture.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm heavy cream and stir in nutmeg until combined.
- Spread half the sauce in a greased baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells on top and pour remaining sauce over them. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
- Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (200g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 90mg

