Pumpkin & Gouda Stuffed Shells are a cozy and indulgent dish that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table. The vibrant orange filling, infused with roasted pumpkin and creamy gouda, pairs beautifully with the rich aroma of brown butter and sage. As you take your first bite, the savory flavor of the cheese melds with the sweet notes of pumpkin, creating a harmonious blend that resonates with the essence of fall. This dish is not just a seasonal delight; it’s also easy to prepare and utilizes sustainable ingredients, making it a winner for both your taste buds and your conscience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, seeking comfort food on a chilly evening, or just craving something delightful, these Pumpkin & Gouda Stuffed Shells fit the bill perfectly. With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe is convenient without compromising flavor. The creamy gouda and sweet pumpkin create a rich filling, while the Alfredo sauce adds a luscious touch — it’s a meal that dazzles with every forkful. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a hearty side, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion.
Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight
The beauty of Pumpkin & Gouda Stuffed Shells lies in its seasonal ingredients. Bright orange pumpkin puree not only offers a stunning visual contrast but also ranks high in nutritional value, bursting with vitamins and minerals. The gouda cheese, with its smooth texture, blends seamlessly with the pumpkin, offering a luscious, creamy consistency that coats every shell perfectly. Sage brings an earthy aroma that dances through the dish, elevating the flavor profile to new heights. This recipe celebrates the essence of harvest time, emphasizing fresh, local produce while ensuring sustainability in every bite.
What You’ll Need
- Jumbo pasta shells: These hearty shells hold generous amounts of filling, providing a perfect bite.
- Creamy gouda cheese: Offers a nutty, buttery richness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Pumpkin puree: Adds a delicate sweetness and provides nutrition.
- Brown butter: Brings a toasty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Sage: Fresh or dried, it imparts an aromatic earthiness.
- Alfredo sauce: A smooth, creamy base that ties everything together.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for enhancing flavors.
- Parmesan cheese (for topping): Adds a salty, savory note to the dish’s finished layer.
Feel free to substitute other cheeses like ricotta for varied textures or use gluten-free shells for dietary needs!
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to create the perfect environment for baking the shells while ensuring that they become tender and bubbly.
Step 2: Cook the Jumbo Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, ensuring they don’t stick together.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine creamy gouda and pumpkin puree. Stir until well blended, aiming for a creamy consistency that’s easy to scoop.
Step 4: Stuff Each Shell
Using a small spoon, carefully stuff each shell with the gouda and pumpkin mixture until generously filled, setting them aside as you prepare to assemble.
Step 5: Prepare the Brown Butter
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sage leaves and cook until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 4-5 minutes. Be cautious not to burn it!
Step 6: Layer the Baking Dish
Spread a layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Then, arrange the stuffed shells snugly in the dish.
Step 7: Add Sauce and Butter
Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells, followed by drizzling the aromatic brown butter and sage mixture on top, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Step 8: Season Generously
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and top with parmesan cheese. These ingredients elevate the flavors while adding lovely golden crust.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 10: Serve Warm
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm by plating with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy the rich textures and comforting flavors!
Essential Tools
To successfully prepare these Pumpkin & Gouda Stuffed Shells, you’ll need the following tools:
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta shells.
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish works well for this recipe.
- Saucepan: Ideal for preparing the brown butter and sage sauce.
Optional tools include a cookie scoop for easy stuffing and whisk for blending ingredients more smoothly.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
These stuffed shells are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them in advance, assembling the shells and holding them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze, assemble but do not bake, then cover and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Perfect Pairings
Enjoy your Pumpkin & Gouda Stuffed Shells alongside a fresh, green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling cider complements the flavors beautifully, adding a refreshing touch. Great side options include roasted vegetables or garlic bread for that extra comfort factor.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Shells Sticking Together: Ensure that your shells are well-drained and lightly tossed with olive oil if they begin to stick after boiling.
Filling Leaking: Overstuffing the shells can cause leaks. Fill each shell until it’s just full for best results.
Burnt Topping: Keep an eye on the shells during the last baking phase to avoid over-browning. Cover with foil if needed.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Add Depth: Consider mixing a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon into your pumpkin filling for a warm flavor lift.
- Experiment: Try mixing in other cheeses like ricotta for an extra creamy texture, or add sautéed spinach for added nutrition.
- Leftover Sauce: If you have excess brown butter or Alfredo sauce, drizzle it over the shells just before serving for a delightful finishing touch.
Recipe Variations to Explore
- Cheese Twist: Swap gouda for sharp cheddar or feta for a tangier flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Add cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the pumpkin filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the Alfredo sauce for a kick of heat or top with fresh herbs for brightness.
Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info
This recipe can be modified for various dietary preferences. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free jumbo shells. You can make it vegetarian by skipping meat-based sauces. Dairy-free cheese can substitute for gouda and parmesan to accommodate lactose intolerance or vegan diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can roast and puree fresh pumpkin for a homemade touch!
2. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is vegetarian as it does not include meat, but ensure the Alfredo sauce is also vegetarian-friendly.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in individual portions.
4. Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Absolutely! Assemble but do not bake, freeze, and bake straight from the freezer when ready.
5. How can I enhance the flavor?
Consider adding garlic or onion powder to the pumpkin filling or mixing fresh herbs into the Alfredo sauce for depth.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Pumpkin & Gouda Stuffed Shells are a delightful culinary creation that guarantees satisfaction and will warm your heart. Try this recipe and let us know how it turns out! Share your results on social media and tag us for a chance to be featured. For more comforting recipes, explore our collection here. Happy cooking!
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Pumpkin & Gouda Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cozy and indulgent stuffed shells filled with roasted pumpkin and creamy gouda, topped with Alfredo sauce and brown butter.
Ingredients
- 16 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup creamy gouda cheese, grated
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 tablespoons brown butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the gouda and pumpkin puree until well blended.
- Stuff each shell with the gouda and pumpkin mixture.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add sage and cook until the butter is golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Spread a layer of Alfredo sauce in a baking dish, arrange the stuffed shells snugly, and pour remaining sauce over them.
- Drizzle the brown butter and sage mixture on top, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly, serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
You can substitute other cheeses or use gluten-free shells for dietary needs. Leftovers are great when reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pumpkin, gouda, stuffed shells, comfort food, fall recipes
