Description
Pumpkin Spinach Stuffed Shells are a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, filled with a creamy mixture of pumpkin puree, fresh spinach, and ricotta cheese, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.
Ingredients
- Jumbo pasta shells: 12-15 shells
- Pumpkin puree: 1 cup
- Fresh spinach: 2 cups, chopped
- Ricotta cheese: 1 cup
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, shredded, plus extra for topping
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Marinara sauce: 2 cups
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the pumpkin and spinach mixture and place them in a baking dish with the opening side facing up.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Choose sturdy jumbo pasta shells to hold the filling.
- Consider adding red pepper flakes or herbs for extra flavor.
- For a lighter option, substitute ricotta with cottage cheese.
- Vegan options can be made using plant-based cheese alternatives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Pumpkin, Spinach, Stuffed Shells, Pasta, Vegetarian, Comfort Food