Pin 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.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Grease a medium baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente Drain and let cool slightly.
- Step 3:
- In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, 1 cup smoked Gouda, chopped sage, salt, and pepper Mix until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Fill each shell generously with the pumpkin mixture and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 5:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 34 minutes) Immediately stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper Simmer for 23 minutes, stirring until thickened Remove from heat.
- Step 6:
- Pour half of the Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup smoked Gouda on top.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 2530 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Step 8:
- Warm the reserved sauce and drizzle over the shells just before serving Garnish with extra sage if desired.
Pin Notes
Serve with a crisp green salad and dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc Make ahead Assemble up to 1 day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Mixing bowl Medium saucepan Baking dish Spoon or piping bag (for filling shells)
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (pasta), Milk/Dairy (ricotta, Gouda, Parmesan, cream, butter) May contain traces of eggs (depending on pasta used) Always verify ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Pin Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Jumbo pasta shells work best as they can hold a generous filling and bake evenly with the sauce.
- → Can the brown butter sauce be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the brown butter and sage Alfredo sauce can be made in advance and gently reheated before serving.
- → Is it possible to substitute Gouda with other cheeses?
Gruyère or Fontina make excellent alternatives, offering similar melting qualities and a mild flavor.
- → How do I achieve the nutty flavor in the butter sauce?
Cook the butter over medium heat until it foams and turns golden brown, which enhances the sauce with a rich, nutty aroma.
- → What side dishes complement this stuffed pasta?
A crisp green salad and a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pair wonderfully with this dish.