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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 10 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until just al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and one minced garlic clove, then cook until softened. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool.
  • Mix the cooled spinach with the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper until evenly combined.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining minced garlic and cook briefly. Stir in the pumpkin puree and heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and the remaining nutmeg. Simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of pumpkin cream sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Spoon the ricotta filling into each shell and arrange them in the dish.
  • Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges bubble.

Notes

Sauté the spinach just until it wilts to avoid excess moisture in the filling. If the pumpkin sauce thickens too much while simmering, add a splash of cream to loosen it before pouring over the shells. Leftovers reheat well in a covered dish at 350°F with a little extra cream stirred in to restore creaminess.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Equipment: Large pot, Skillet, Mixing bowl, Baking dish