These cheesy pumpkin and spicy sausage stuffed shells are a warm and cozy treat! The pumpkin adds a hint of sweetness, while the sausage gives it a nice kick.
Trust me, when you pull these out of the oven, your kitchen will smell heavenly! I love serving them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for extra flavor. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These shells are perfect for holding the filling. If you can’t find jumbo shells, manicotti or even cannelloni can work well. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Spicy Italian Sausage: This adds a strong flavor kick. If you’re looking for a milder taste, you can opt for ground turkey or chicken sausage. For a vegetarian option, try using a plant-based sausage or skip it entirely and add veggies.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is best, as it’s convenient and consistent. Don’t use pumpkin pie filling, as it’s sweetened. If needed, you can substitute with butternut squash puree or sweet potato puree for a different twist.
Cheeses: Ricotta is creamy and delicious, but you can substitute it with cottage cheese for a lighter option. For the mozzarella, feel free to use a dairy-free cheese if you prefer a vegan version!
Marinara Sauce: Any store-bought marinara is fine, but homemade sauce is amazing! You can also use pesto or Alfredo if you want to change things up.
How Do You Get the Perfect Stuffing in Each Shell?
Stuffing the shells just right can be tricky. Here are a few tips to help you get a good amount of filling in each one:
- Use a small spoon or a piping bag to make stuffing easier. This helps control the amount of filling you put in.
- Don’t over-stuff. Leave a little space at the top of the shell to avoid filling spilling out during baking.
- If you’re using a piping bag, cut a larger hole for wider shells or use a round tip for more control.
- Make sure to spread sauce on the bottom of the dish before placing the shells; this prevents sticking and keeps them moist.
With these tips, your stuffed shells will be tasty and beautifully filled every time!
Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme mix)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce (or your favorite tomato sauce)
- Fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 40 minutes of baking time, so you’re looking at a total of approximately 55 minutes from start to finish. Just enough time to get everything ready and enjoy the delightful aromas filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when you’re done preparing the stuffed shells.
2. Cook the Pasta Shells:
Next, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once they are done, drain them and set them aside to cool slightly. You don’t want to burn your hands when stuffing!
3. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool for a moment.
4. Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked sausage, pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish:
To prevent sticking, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. This creates a tasty base for your stuffed shells.
6. Stuff the Shells:
Now it’s time to carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the pumpkin and sausage mixture. Place them in the baking dish, open-side up. Don’t worry if it gets a little messy; it’s all going to be delicious!
7. Add More Sauce:
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are nicely covered. This adds flavor and keeps them moist while baking.
8. Sprinkle Cheese:
Finally, sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed shells for that ooey-gooey deliciousness.
9. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Rest and Garnish:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the stuffed shells sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set a bit. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley for that final touch of freshness.
Enjoy these rich, cheesy, and spicy stuffed shells, perfect for a warm fall dinner. Your family and friends will love this cozy dish!
Can I Use Regular Pasta Instead of Jumbo Shells?
Yes! If you can’t find jumbo shells, you can use manicotti or even cannelloni. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and you can substitute it with roasted vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You may also want to add some extra herbs for flavor.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells! Just let them cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for about 2-3 months. Reheat directly from the freezer by baking at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through.
How Do I Prevent the Pasta Shells From Sticking Together?
After cooking the shells, be sure to toss them gently with a little olive oil while they’re cooling. This will help prevent them from sticking together and make stuffing them easier!