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Spicy Pumpkin and Pesto Cheese Stuffed Shells

Spicy Pumpkin and Pesto Cheese Stuffed Shells

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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Total Time: 45
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American fusion
  • Diet: High Protein

Description

These stuffed shells bring autumn comfort to your table by blending earthy pumpkin with aromatic basil pesto. Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a creamy three-cheese blend and savory spicy chicken sausage, then baked in a luxurious, spiced pumpkin sauce. It is a satisfying, vegetable-forward dish that balances sweetness, heat, and herb-filled richness for a perfect weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 cup pure pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
1 pound jumbo pasta shells
16 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded fontina cheese
3/4 cup high-quality basil pesto
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
Fresh basil leaves for garnish


Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil the jumbo shells in salted water according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat oil and brown the chicken sausage with the red bell pepper until cooked through.
In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; pour into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup fontina, and the basil pesto until smooth.
Stuff each cooked shell generously with the cheese and pesto mixture.
Arrange the stuffed shells over the pumpkin sauce in the baking dish.
Top with remaining fontina and torn fresh mozzarella.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
Serve warm, topped with fresh basil.


Notes

Ensure you use unsweetened pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. You can substitute the chicken sausage with ground turkey or a plant-based crumble. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 shells
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg