Ingredients
– 4 tablespoons salted butter Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy top while preventing the dish from sticking.
– 1 box jumbo pasta shells Forms the base for stuffing; cooking them just al dente keeps them from getting too soft in the oven.
– 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (cubed) Provides a melty, stretchy texture inside the shells for extra gooeyness.
– 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree Brings in the fall flavor with natural sweetness and nutrients like vitamin A for a healthy twist.
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream Creates a creamy sauce that binds everything together, making the dish indulgent and smooth.
– 2 finely chopped shallots Offers a mild onion flavor that enhances the sauce without overpowering other tastes.
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder (divided) Adds a savory depth; half goes in the sauce for flavor, and the rest tops the dish for extra kick.
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme Infuses earthy notes that complement the pumpkin and cheeses perfectly.
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Gives a warm, spicy hint that highlights the pumpkin’s natural essence.
– Salt, pepper, and chili flakes to taste Season to your liking for balanced flavors, with chili adding a subtle heat if desired.
– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Melts into the sauce for a sharp, nutty taste that elevates the overall creaminess.
– 1 to 2 cups shredded Gouda cheese The star for its smoky melt, adjustable for more cheesiness; smoked Gouda amps up the flavor.
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage Brings fresh, herbal brightness that finishes the dish with a lovely aroma.
– 3 ounces prosciutto (optional) Adds a salty, crispy element if you’re looking for a meaty boost, but it’s easy to skip for lighter versions.
– Fresh basil or parsley for topping Garnishes with color and a fresh pop, making the final dish look and taste vibrant.
Instructions
1-First Step: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare your casserole dish. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish using 1 tablespoon of the salted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor to the base.
2-Second Step: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are just al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. This step is crucial as it keeps the shells from becoming too soft during baking; once done, drain them and gently place them in the prepared casserole dish along with the cubed mozzarella cheese for a gooey surprise inside.
3-Third Step: In a large bowl, mix together the canned pumpkin puree, heavy cream, finely chopped shallots, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, dried thyme, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy sauce that will coat the shells beautifully.
4-Fourth Step: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce mixture, whisking until it’s fully incorporated and creamy. This creates the pumpkin Alfredo sauce that ties the dish together, adding a rich layer of flavor.
5-Fifth Step: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the pasta shells in the casserole dish. Top everything with 1 to 2 cups of shredded Gouda cheese, adjusting the amount based on your preference for cheesiness smoked Gouda can add an extra smoky note if you like.
6-Sixth Step: Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and the chopped fresh sage over the cheese layer. If you’re using prosciutto, add the 3 ounces of slices on top for a crispy finish, then dot the dish with the remaining 3 tablespoons of salted butter for a golden bake.
7-Seventh Step: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, browned, and bubbly, and the prosciutto if added is crispy. Remember, there’s no need to cover the dish, as this allows the top to get that perfect crunch.
8-Final Step: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a bright touch that enhances the flavors. Serve warm, and enjoy how the fresh herbs add a nice contrast to the creamy filling. For similar pasta dishes, try our creamy ham and pea pasta recipe for another easy option.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧀 Cook shells just al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
🔥 Adjust Gouda cheese amount to your taste or use smoked Gouda for additional flavor.
🌿 Fresh herbs like sage and basil enhance brightness and aroma of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Dairy and Meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 777
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 130mg