Description
Pumpkin Gouda Stuffed Shells With Brown Butter Sage Alfredo Sauce is a cozy autumn dish featuring sweet roasted pumpkin, rich smoked Gouda, and tender pasta shells in a fragrant brown butter sage alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 fresh sage leaves
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook 12 jumbo pasta shells until al dente (approx. 8-10 mins). Drain, rinse with cold water, and arrange in a single layer to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta, 1 cup shredded smoked Gouda, 1/8 cup (half of total) grated Parmesan, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Gently open each cooled shell and spoon a generous amount of pumpkin Gouda filling inside (approx. 2-3 tablespoons per shell). Set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat until browned and nutty. Add 4 fresh sage leaves and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1/8 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Pour a portion of the brown butter sage alfredo sauce into the bottom of the dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer. Drizzle remaining sauce generously over the shells. Top with a sprinkle of reserved smoked Gouda and Parmesan cheese (if desired). Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, let the stuffed shells rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra sage leaves, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.
- Try adding cooked sausage or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Gouda Stuffed Shells, Pasta, Fall Recipe, Comfort Food