Spicy Pumpkin Pesto Shells (Print)

Jumbo shells packed with pumpkin, chili, and pesto baked in tomato sauce for a rich vegetarian entrée.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 20 jumbo pasta shells

→ Filling

02 - 1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin purée
03 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 - 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
07 - 1 small red chili, finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Sauce & Topping

12 - 2 cups marinara sauce
13 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
02 - Cook jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until just al dente. Drain gently, then cool slightly in a colander.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin purée, ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, basil pesto, chopped red chili or red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and homogenous.
04 - Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the base of the prepared baking dish.
05 - Fill each cooled pasta shell with approximately 2 tablespoons of the pumpkin pesto mixture. Arrange shells open side up in the baking dish.
06 - Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled shells. Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
07 - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
08 - Remove from the oven and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves before serving hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick to prepare and all the ingredients are easy to find in most supermarkets
  • Vegetarian without sacrificing rich, comforting flavors
  • A crowd-pleasing main course perfect for holidays or casual gatherings
  • The combination of pumpkin, chili, and pesto makes for a surprising and delightful flavor twist
02 -
  • High in calcium and protein thanks to the dairy filling
  • Keeps well for meal prepping or lunches
  • Can be made ahead and baked at the last minute
  • Pumpkin gives natural creaminess and a subtle sweetness that even picky eaters love
03 -
  • Avoid overcooking the pasta shells so they do not fall apart while stuffing
  • Taste the filling before stuffing to adjust salt and spice
  • Let the shells rest a few minutes after baking so the filling sets a bit for easier serving

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