Description
Rich, creamy, and comforting these Pumpkin & Gouda Stuffed Shells are baked in a silky brown butter sage Alfredo sauce, creating the ultimate fall-inspired pasta dinner.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Shells:
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup pumpkin purée
1 cup shredded gouda cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Brown Butter Sage Alfredo Sauce:
4 tbsp unsalted butter
5–6 fresh sage leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
For Baking:
Extra shredded gouda and Parmesan for topping
Chopped parsley or fried sage for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and cool.
3. In a bowl, mix pumpkin purée, gouda, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, salt, nutmeg, and black pepper until creamy.
4. Stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons of filling and place in the prepared baking dish.
5. For the sauce, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat until golden and nutty.
6. Add sage leaves and cook until crisp, then remove and set aside.
7. Add garlic to the butter and cook for 30 seconds.
8. Whisk in cream and milk; simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Stir in Parmesan until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
10. Pour sauce over stuffed shells and sprinkle with extra gouda and Parmesan.
11. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
12. Garnish with parsley or crisp sage leaves before serving.
Notes
Use smoked gouda for a deeper, richer flavor.
You can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat gently before assembling.
Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for the perfect cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 shells
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Stuffed Shells, Brown Butter Sage Alfredo, Fall Pasta, Gouda Pumpkin Pasta, Vegetarian Dinner