Butternut Squash Stuffed Jumbo Shells (90 Minutes)

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Pasta meets autumn’s finest ingredient in this sumptuous dish that melds the nutty sweetness of butternut squash with the creaminess of a delicate sauce. These jumbo shells stuffed with butternut squash make for a hearty main course that’s both comforting and sophisticated. One bite and you’ll want to make this dish again and again!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 5–6 fresh sage leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • Additional Parmesan for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep (5 minutes): Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the Shells (12 minutes): Boil the jumbo shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
  3. Roast the Squash (25 minutes): Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
  4. Prepare the Filling (5 minutes): Once the squash is roasted, mash it in a mixing bowl. Stir in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg until well combined.
  5. Prepare the Cream Sauce (7 minutes): In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and cook until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Stuff the Shells (10 minutes): Fill each pasta shell with the butternut squash mixture and arrange them in a baking dish.
  7. Assemble and Bake (25 minutes): Pour the cream sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Serve (5 minutes): Once baked, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh sage leaves if desired.

Notes

Butternut squash has a naturally sweet and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream sauce. To elevate this dish, consider toasting some pine nuts and sprinkling them on top before serving. A crisp white wine or a light red wine complements the dish’s flavors. For an added layer of texture, serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the luscious cream sauce.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/butternut-squash-stuffed-jumbo-shells-90-minutes/