Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells
Indulge in the cozy flavors of Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells, a perfect autumn dish that combines creamy pumpkin with the zesty kick of spicy sausage. This hearty meal is ideal for family dinners or potlucks, showcasing seasonal ingredients that bring warmth and comfort to your table. With easy preparation steps, this recipe invites cooks of all skill levels to whip up a delightful pasta dish that promises to impress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound fresh spicy sausage or turkey sausage (casing removed)
- 1 cup chopped broccolini
- 16 ounces pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup whole milk ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese blend (like Cabot Mac 'n Cheese)
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 sage leaves, roughly 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 7 minutes; drain and place in an ice bath.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked. Add chopped broccolini and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Let cool.
- In the same skillet, combine pumpkin puree, water, ricotta cheese, and nutmeg over medium-low heat until bubbly. Stir in cheeses and sage until melted.
- Mix sauce with the cooled sausage mixture. Fill each pasta shell with the filling and arrange in the casserole dish.
- Pour any remaining sauce over the shells, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (104g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg