Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells

The Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells are the ultimate Fall comfort dish. This recipe combines a creamy pumpkin sauce with spicy sausage and tender pasta shells, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. Its rich flavors and vibrant colors will impress your guests and satisfy those autumn cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique Flavors: The combination of pumpkin and spicy sausage creates a delightful contrast that makes every bite exciting.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this dish is versatile enough to fit any setting.
• Comforting and Filling: With hearty ingredients, this recipe is sure to keep you satisfied and warm during chilly fall nights.
• Easy to Prepare: Even novice cooks can whip up this dish in no time, thanks to straightforward steps and accessible ingredients.
• Customization Friendly: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences—like using different cheese or veggies!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• 9×13-inch oven-safe casserole dish
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon for stuffing

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the jumbo pasta shells, ensuring they cook evenly without sticking together.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning the sausage and sautéing vegetables, allowing for optimal flavor development.
• Casserole dish: Provides a sturdy base for baking your stuffed shells while keeping them intact.
• Mixing bowl: Helps combine ingredients easily without spilling, making it simpler to prepare your filling.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pasta Shells

• 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells

For the Filling

• 1 pound fresh spicy sausage (casing removed)
• 1 cup chopped broccolini

For the Sauce

• 16 ounces pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup Cabot Mac ‘n Cheese shredded cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1/2 cup freshly shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• 4 sage leaves (roughly chopped)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

How to Make Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Prepare Your Casserole Dish

Have a 9×13-inch oven-safe casserole dish ready.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells for about 7 minutes. While they cook, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and water. Once done, drain the pasta shells and transfer them to the cold ice water to stop cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage & Broccolini

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the sausage. Brown it while breaking it into smaller pieces. After about 5 minutes, add in the broccolini until softened. Once cooked, remove from skillet and let cool in a bowl.

Step 4: Make the Pumpkin Sauce

In the same skillet over medium-low heat, add pumpkin puree, water, ricotta cheese, and nutmeg. Stir until bubbly. Then mix in Cabot Mac ‘n Cheese shredded cheese, Cabot Seriously Sharp cheddar cheese, sage, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Preheat Oven & Assemble Shells

Preheat your oven to 375 °F (191 °C). Pour about 1/2 cup of sauce into your casserole dish as a base. Reserve another 1/4 cup of sauce for later.

Step 6: Fill Pasta Shells

Pour most of your sauce into the bowl with sausage and broccolini; mix well. Remove each pasta shell from ice water, shake off excess liquid, then stuff with filling. Place filled shells in your prepared casserole dish until all are used.

Step 7: Add Remaining Sauce & Bake

Pour any remaining sauce over stuffed shells. Sprinkle additional cheese on top before baking for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly. If desired, broil briefly for extra browning—just keep an eye on it!

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve warm straight from the oven! Enjoy this comforting fall dish with friends or family.

This Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells recipe is sure to become a household favorite!

How to Serve Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells

Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: Toss together fresh greens like arugula and spinach with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a crisp complement to the rich stuffed shells.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, croutons, and creamy dressing can balance the flavors beautifully.

Add Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up the cheesy pumpkin sauce. Simply spread butter and minced garlic on baguette slices and toast until golden.
• Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: For an extra cheesy touch, make breadsticks topped with melted cheese and garlic for dipping.

Offer a Simple Vegetable Dish

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Season Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast until crispy. Their nutty flavor pairs well with the stuffed shells.
• Steamed Broccolini: Lightly steamed broccolini enhances the flavors already present in the dish while adding vibrant color to your plate.

How to Perfect Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells

Achieving perfection in your Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells is easier than you think. Follow these tips for an even tastier dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh broccolini and quality sausage for enhanced flavor and texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, choose mild sausage or reduce the amount of spice added.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheeses like gouda or mozzarella to create unique flavor profiles.
• Bake Until Golden: Ensure you bake until bubbly and golden on top—this adds texture and enhances the visual appeal.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling the shells without baking. Store them in the fridge overnight; simply bake when ready to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells

To create a well-rounded meal around your Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells, consider these tasty side dishes. They complement the richness of the main course perfectly.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside your stuffed shells.
2. Roasted Root Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes brings sweetness that balances savory flavors.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs, lemon juice, and veggies offers freshness to each bite.
4. Sautéed Spinach: Quickly sauté spinach with olive oil and garlic for a simple yet delicious veggie side.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze creates a refreshing contrast.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up leftover sauce from your stuffed shells.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Cooling Step: Failing to cool the cooked pasta shells can make them too soft and difficult to stuff. Always place them in ice water after boiling.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Guessing measurements can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Use a measuring cup for liquids and a kitchen scale for solids.
• Overcrowding the Casserole Dish: Stuffing too many shells into the dish can prevent even cooking. Space them out for better heat distribution.
• Ignoring Cheese Types: Using low-quality cheese may affect the sauce’s creaminess. Stick with high-quality cheeses for rich flavor and texture.
• Rushing the Baking Time: Not baking long enough can leave the centers cold and unappetizing. Make sure it’s bubbly and heated through before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking regularly.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells.

Can I use different types of sausage?

You can substitute spicy sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option while still enjoying great flavor.

What can I use instead of broccolini?

Feel free to replace broccolini with spinach or kale, which will add nutrition without compromising taste.

How do I prevent my stuffed shells from breaking?

Ensure you cook the pasta shells al dente, as they will soften further during baking. Additionally, handle them gently when stuffing.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer before baking. Just adjust your baking time accordingly if chilled.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Pumpkin and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Shells are perfect for cozy dinners throughout fall. Their creamy pumpkin sauce combined with savory sausage makes them delightful comfort food. Don’t hesitate to customize by adding veggies or swapping cheeses based on your preferences!