This culinary creation embodies the seasonal essence of autumn, featuring the rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin and the creamy texture of ricotta cheese. This hearty meal also creates an impressive presentation at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup of part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of canned pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of low-sodium marinara sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta Shells: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, pumpkin purée, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, garlic powder, and sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Stuff the Shells: Carefully spoon the pumpkin ricotta mixture into each cooked pasta shell, filling them generously.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information (per serving)
The following nutrition information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Vitamin A | 90% DV |
| Vitamin C | 8% DV |
| Calcium | 25% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |