Save Luxurious jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy pumpkin and smoked Gouda blend, baked with a rich brown butter and sage Alfredo sauce. The ultimate autumn comfort dish for festive gatherings or cozy dinners.
This comforting dish has become a seasonal favorite in our home, perfect for cozy autumn evenings shared with family.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 jumbo pasta shells
- Filling: 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded (plus ½ cup for topping), 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped, salt and pepper, to taste
- Brown Butter & Sage Alfredo Sauce: 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Cook pasta:
- Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Prepare filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, 1 cup smoked Gouda, chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Fill shells:
- Fill each shell generously with the pumpkin mixture and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
- Make sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 3 4 minutes). Immediately stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 3 minutes, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Assemble dish:
- Pour half of the Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup smoked Gouda on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Warm the reserved sauce and drizzle over the shells just before serving. Garnish with extra sage if desired.
Save This recipe brings the family together every fall, creating cherished memories around the dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a well-rounded meal.
Make Ahead Tips
Assemble up to 1 day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for convenience.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta) and dairy (ricotta, Gouda, Parmesan, cream, butter). May contain traces of eggs depending on pasta used. Always verify ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Save This dish marries comforting flavors with elegant presentation, perfect for any festive or cozy occasion.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta shells work best?
Jumbo pasta shells hold the filling well and bake evenly, making them ideal for stuffing and baking dishes like this one.
- → Can I substitute Gouda cheese?
Yes, Gruyère or Fontina cheeses can be used as alternatives to smoked Gouda, offering similar melting qualities and flavor profiles.
- → How do you make the brown butter sage sauce?
Butter is melted and cooked until golden brown to develop a nutty aroma, then combined with cream, Parmesan, and sage for a rich and fragrant sauce.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains no meat and uses dairy products, making it appropriate for a vegetarian diet.
- → Can it be prepared in advance?
Absolutely. You can assemble the stuffed shells up to one day ahead and refrigerate them, then bake just before serving.