There's just somethin' special about fall. The crisp air, the vibrant colors, and, of course, the incredible produce! It’s a time for cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes (okay, maybe just one!), and comforting, home-cooked meals. And what could be more comforting than pasta? I still remember the first time my grandmother made stuffed shells. The aroma filled the whole house, and it just felt like love.
This Delicata Squash and Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe is a celebration of autumn flavors. The sweetness of delicata squash pairs perfectly with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese, all nestled inside tender jumbo pasta shells and bathed in marinara sauce. It’s a dish that's both elegant and approachable, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Last year I shared these shells with my friend, who had just gone through a really hard time, and I think food is one of those ways we can connect with each other.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: stuffed shells seem intimidating. But trust me, this recipe is easier than it looks! With a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you'll be creating a dish that will impress your family and friends. And the best part? You can totally customize it to your liking. Add different vegetables, cheeses, or sauces to make it your own signature dish. So grab your apron, crank up the tunes, and let's get cooking! I promise, your efforts will be rewarded with a plate of pure autumnal bliss. But remember... don't try to taste test while its baking! You will burn your tongue (speaking from experience lol).
Required Equipments
- Baking Dish
- Large Bowl
- Sauté Pan
- Ricotta Basket (optional)
- Piping Bag (optional)
Delicata Squash and Ricotta Stuffed Shells: Frequently Asked Questions
Delicata Squash and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Delicata Squash and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a comforting autumn dish featuring sweet roasted squash, creamy ricotta, and tender pasta shells baked in marinara sauce. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 3-4 servings servings
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First things first: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial; trust me, you don't want to put your beautiful shells into a cold oven! While it's heating up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. We're gonna cook those jumbo shells until they're *al dente* – about 8 minutes should do it. Don't overcook them; they'll continue to cook in the oven.
- While the pasta’s doing its thing, let's tackle the delicata squash. Slice it lengthwise, scoop out those seeds (roast 'em later for a tasty snack!), and drizzle the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. The edges should be just starting to caramelize – that's where the flavor lives!
- Once the squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and mash it in a large bowl. You want it fairly smooth, but a few small chunks are totally fine. To the bowl, add the drained ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped fresh sage, a pinch of nutmeg (trust me on this one!), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it's well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This is your canvas, so make it sing!
- Now comes the fun part: stuffing the shells. You can use a spoon or a piping bag (if you're feeling fancy) to fill each cooked shell with the ricotta-squash mixture. Be generous, but not so much that they explode. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish coated with a thin layer of your favorite marinara sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they're all nicely covered. Sprinkle with a bit more grated Parmesan cheese for good measure. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through. The aroma at this point? Divine!
- Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh sage or parsley, if desired. I love serving these with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy every bite!
📝 Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the filling.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk ricotta.
- If you don't have fresh sage, dried sage can be substituted (use about 1 teaspoon).
- Make sure shells are al dente
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 20g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 5g
Calcium: 250mg
