Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells. This delightful dish features tender jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a zesty sausage mixture and creamy pumpkin sauce, topped with a melty cheese crust that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe balances savory and sweet notes, making it a true autumn favorite. With easy preparation steps and the option to customize ingredients based on your pantry, you can enjoy a hearty meal that warms the soul.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound spicy sausage (casing removed)
- 1 cup chopped broccolini
- 16 ounces pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cabot Mac ‘n Cheese and Cabot Seriously Sharp cheddar)
- 4 sage leaves (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook pasta shells in boiling water for about 7 minutes; drain and cool in ice water.
- In a skillet, brown spicy sausage over medium heat; add broccolini and cook until tender.
- In the same skillet, combine pumpkin puree, water, ricotta cheese, and nutmeg; stir until bubbly.
- Mix in cheeses, sage, salt, and pepper until melted.
- Fill cooled pasta shells with sausage mixture; place in the casserole dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over stuffed shells and sprinkle extra cheese on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly; optionally broil for crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg