Description

Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy family dinners. With a creamy pumpkin sauce enveloping tender jumbo pasta shells stuffed with savory sausage and vibrant broccolini, this dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It combines the richness of cheese with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, creating a unique taste that embodies the essence of autumn. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these stuffed shells are bound to impress your loved ones and become a seasonal favorite.

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 whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup shredded cheese blend (e.g., Mac 'n Cheese)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Fresh sage leaves (roughly chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Boil pasta shells in salted water for about 7 minutes until al dente. Drain and transfer to ice water.
In a skillet, brown the spicy sausage over medium-high heat. Add broccolini and cook until softened. Cool the mixture in a bowl.
In the same skillet, combine pumpkin puree, water, ricotta, and nutmeg until bubbly. Stir in cheeses, sage, salt, and pepper until melted.
Combine the cooled sausage-broccolini mix with most of the pumpkin sauce. Fill each shell with stuffing.
Place filled shells in the casserole dish, pour remaining sauce over them, sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 320g)
Calories: 540
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Customize your filling by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. For a lighter version, substitute spicy sausage with chicken or turkey sausage.