These Butternut Squash Stuffed Pasta Shells with Cheese are a cozy, comforting vegetarian dish perfect for fall and winter. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy blend of roasted butternut squash puree, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then baked in a light butternut squash sauce until golden and bubbly.
Fresh sage and garlic add warmth and depth, while the roasted butternut squash brings a naturally sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesy filling. This recipe is a hearty, satisfying vegetarian dinner ideal for holidays, weeknights, or anytime you’re craving baked comfort food.
Delicious Butternut Squash Stuffed Pasta Shells
Butternut Squash Stuffed Pasta Shells with Cheese offer a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes. These jumbo shells are generously filled with a creamy mixture of roasted butternut squash puree and a blend of cheeses, creating a comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings.
With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 40 minutes, this dish is not only satisfying but also relatively quick to prepare. Each serving is a hearty combination of flavors, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients That Shine
The key to this dish lies in its ingredients. Roasted butternut squash brings a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a rich and cheesy experience that complements the squash perfectly.
Fresh sage adds an aromatic touch, enhancing the overall flavor profile. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome, making it one of the standout vegetarian butternut squash recipes.
Preparation Steps
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they reach an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain them and set aside.
Next, prepare the filling by combining roasted butternut squash puree with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped sage, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg. This mixture is what makes these butternut squash pasta shells truly special.
Stuffing the Shells
Once your filling is ready, it’s time to stuff the pasta shells. Carefully fill each shell with the creamy butternut squash mixture and arrange them in a rustic baking dish. This presentation adds to the dish’s charm, making it perfect for serving at gatherings.
After the shells are stuffed, pour a light butternut squash sauce or marinara sauce over them. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top for that irresistible golden-brown finish.
Baking to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step allows the cheese to bubble and turn golden, creating a beautiful crust.
Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. The aroma of roasted butternut squash and melted cheese will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table.
Serving Suggestions
For an added touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few sage leaves on top before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
These stuffed pasta shells are perfect for a cozy dinner or as a main dish for a festive occasion. Pair them with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Delicious Butternut Squash Stuffed Pasta Shells
This dish features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy mixture of butternut squash puree and cheeses, baked to perfection. It takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups roasted butternut squash puree
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups butternut squash sauce or marinara sauce
- Extra mozzarella cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash puree, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped sage, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the Shells: Fill each cooked pasta shell with the butternut squash filling and place them in a baking dish.
- Add Sauce: Pour the butternut squash sauce or marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious butternut squash stuffed pasta shells!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 40g