Español Grow This

Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

A rich, creamy recipe that combines fall flavors with satisfying pasta.
Plate of pasta shells filled with pumpkin and cheese filling over red pasta sauce.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 Filled Shells
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells (about 6 ounces)
1 ¼ cups nonfat ricotta cheese
¾ cup pumpkin 
½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons basil
¼ teaspoon sage
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup pasta sauce

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
  4. Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and place each on a baking sheet to cool.
  5. In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta, pumpkin, spices and all but 1 Tablespoon of the cheese. Reserve the 1 Tablespoon cheese for topping.
  6. Spread pasta sauce in the bottom of a baking dish that holds all the shells in a single layer. Fill each shell with about 3 Tablespoons of pumpkin mixture and place shells close together on top of the sauce.
  7. Cover pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake for 15 minutes more.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Freeze unused pumpkin and add to soup, chili or pancake recipes.

Comments

Submitted by lkraemer on Thu, 12/18/2014 - 13:57

These are so good and easy to double or triple the recipe for lots of left overs.

Submitted by tierrabonita on Mon, 05/06/2013 - 04:15
This is my fav Food Hero recipe so far! LOVE it as does everyone who tries it. Interestingly you can't really taste the pumpkin but the filling sure is tasty! And we double the recipe and end up with some extra shells and ricotta and tomato sauce and parm which works great for a separate small pan of cheese shells on the side.... Also if its in your garden using fresh herbs really ramps up the taste even more!
Submitted by healthycook on Wed, 11/14/2012 - 15:06

These were super yummy and look impressive despite the ease of preparation.  A perfect dish to make with leftover pumpkin puree.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Salmon Salad Mix
Creamy salmon mix on lettuce in a bowl.

Salmon Salad Mix

A delicious and vitamin-packed alternative to tuna salad, this salmon salad is made with tangy pickles, low-fat yogurt and a bit of creamy mayonnaise.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cup
Mix and Match Vegetable Chowder
Bowl of Mix and Match Vegetable Chowder

Mix and Match Vegetable Chowder

You’ll always enjoy this hearty chowder recipe. Change it up with the ingredients and spices you have on hand.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
40 minutes
Makes:
4 Servings
Green and Orange Chicken Salad
Large bowl of mandarin orange and chicken salad.

Green and Orange Chicken Salad

A bright and flavorful salad with a toasty soy dressing.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
12 cups
Red Potato and Cabbage (Colcannon)
Medium bowl of creamy potato and cabbage mix.

Red Potato and Cabbage (Colcannon)

This traditional Irish dish is a satisfying combination of creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful cabbage.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes
Fluffy couscous mixed with chopped vegetables.

Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes

Make ahead salad that combines fresh veggies, couscous or your favorite grain, and tangy Italian dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Mushroom Bulgur Pilaf
A wooden bowl with bulgur, mushrooms and spinach.

Mushroom Bulgur Pilaf

A hearty side dish with whole grains, veggies and flavored with a savory broth. Add a protein to make it a satisfying main dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 to 40 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups