Description
These elegant stuffed pasta shells offer a sophisticated, cozy dining experience perfect for autumn evenings. Featuring a velvety puree of roasted butternut squash seasoned with maple syrup and nutmeg, the shells are nestled in a fragrant garlic and herb-infused cream sauce. It is a vegetarian-friendly, comfort-food masterpiece that balances the natural sweetness of roasted squash with the savory richness of parmesan, making it an ideal choice for both quiet family dinners and celebratory gatherings.
Ingredients
1 large butternut squash (about 2 pounds)
6 ounces jumbo pasta shells
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
3/4 cup vegetarian-friendly parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Halve and seed the butternut squash, roast until tender, then scoop out the flesh and puree until smooth.
In a bowl, mix the squash puree with maple syrup, salt, and nutmeg.
Cook the jumbo pasta shells in boiling water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in the heavy cream, garlic powder, sage, and rosemary, thickening slightly over medium heat.
Stir in half of the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Spoon the squash mixture into each cooked shell and place them into a baking dish.
Pour the cream sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
Garnish with fresh sage leaves before serving.
Notes
The squash filling can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance. You can also assemble the shells completely, cover them with foil, and bake when ready to eat. Ensure your parmesan cheese label indicates it is made with non-animal rennet to remain strictly vegetarian.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 stuffed shells
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg