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Easy Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Easy Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Cozy jumbo shells packed with a creamy pumpkin–ricotta filling, blanketed in marinara and melted cheese. Comforting, simple, and weeknight-friendly.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz jumbo pasta shells about 24 shells
  • 2 cup marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1.5 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1.25 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for the filling
  • 0.75 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese for the filling
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
  • 1.5 cup chopped baby spinach lightly packed
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.75 tsp dried sage
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 375°F and lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook shells until just shy of al dente, 8–9 minutes. Drain and rinse cool.
  • Toss shells with olive oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
  • Mix pumpkin, ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, milk, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until creamy.
  • Spread 1 cup marinara in the bottom of the prepared dish.
  • Fill each shell with a heaping spoonful of filling. Nestle seam up in the sauce.
  • Spoon remaining marinara over shells. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  • Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more until bubbly.
  • Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Variation: Swap marinara for a light cream sauce and add a pinch of smoked paprika. For a heartier bake, layer sautéed mushrooms under the shells. Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; add 5–10 minutes to bake time. Freezer tip: Freeze the assembled, unbaked dish for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and bake as directed.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Pumpkin Stuffed Shells flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.