![- 12 jumbo pasta shells - 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups marinara sauce - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Butternut squash stuffed shells are a great meal. They are tasty and easy to make. This dish combines creamy cheese with sweet butternut squash. The flavors blend well, making every bite a joy. You can find all these ingredients in your local store. Each serving has about 400 calories. You get around 15 grams of protein and plenty of vitamins. The butternut squash adds fiber and antioxidants. This makes the dish not just yummy but healthy too. To make this dish, you will need some basic tools: - Baking dish - Large pot - Saucepan - Mixing bowl These tools help in cooking and combining the ingredients well. They make the process smooth and fun. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure your shells cook evenly. 2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your jumbo pasta shells. Cook them until they are al dente, or firm. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. 3. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside. Be gentle so they don’t break. 1. In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add 2 cups of cubed butternut squash. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. 3. Sauté the squash for about 10 minutes. It should become soft and tender. 4. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed squash with 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of chopped spinach, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. 5. Mix everything until it's well combined. This filling will be rich and creamy. 1. Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the butternut squash mixture. 2. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish. 3. Pour 2 cups of marinara sauce over the shells. Make sure each shell is covered well. 4. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. 5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. 6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. 7. Let the shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves on top. Now you have a delicious meal ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check the details above. To prevent shells from sticking, use a large pot. Boil a lot of salted water. Stir the shells gently as they cook. Drain them but do not rinse. Rinsing can wash away the starch that helps sauce stick. Cook them until they are al dente, firm but not hard. This way, they won't overcook when you bake them later. Adding spices can make a big difference. Try using fresh thyme or sage for a warm touch. You can also sprinkle in some chili flakes for heat. If you like garlic, add more garlic powder or fresh minced garlic. Mixing in some lemon zest can brighten the flavor. Each of these little tweaks can elevate your dish. One big mistake is overfilling the shells. If you pack them too tight, they may burst when baking. Another mistake is not seasoning the filling. Make sure to add salt and pepper to the squash mixture. Finally, don’t skip covering the dish with foil at first. This helps steam the shells and keep them moist. {{image_2}} You can mix up the filling in several fun ways. Try mushrooms for a hearty bite. They add a nice earthiness. Ricotta cheese works well too. It gives a creamy texture. You can also blend in fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These herbs add a burst of flavor. Feel free to get creative with your choice of ingredients! You can change the sauce for a new taste. Alfredo sauce adds a rich, creamy layer. Pesto gives a fresh, herby kick. If you prefer something lighter, use a creamy béchamel. This sauce will make your meal feel fancy! Each sauce brings out different flavors in the dish. Experiment to find your favorite! Making dietary changes is simple. For a vegetarian option, keep the ricotta and veggies. To go vegan, swap the ricotta for a plant-based alternative. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. If you're gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta shells. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal! To keep your butternut squash stuffed shells fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of plastic wrap over the shells before sealing the lid. This helps prevent moisture loss. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. They will last for about 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them gently. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in. Heat them for about 20 minutes. If you want the cheese to be bubbly, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave if you're short on time. Just heat in short bursts, checking every minute to avoid overcooking. Meal prepping butternut squash stuffed shells is simple and smart. You can make a big batch and store them. Prepare the filling and stuff the shells. Then, freeze them before baking. This way, you can bake them fresh when you're ready. Just remember to add extra time for baking if they are frozen. You can also prep the filling a day ahead. Keep it in the fridge and stuff the shells when you're ready to cook. Stuffed shells can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they are cooled before putting them away. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Yes, you can freeze butternut squash stuffed shells. To freeze, let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe dish. Cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Bake them at 375°F until hot. This method keeps them tasty and easy to enjoy. You can serve butternut squash stuffed shells with a side salad or garlic bread. A light green salad adds freshness. For a drink, a glass of white wine pairs nicely. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio works well. Try to keep the meal balanced for best results. In this article, we explored a delicious butternut squash stuffed shell recipe. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking tips, and various ways to modify this dish. We covered storage and reheating methods to ensure your leftovers stay tasty. Remember, cooking is about experimenting and enjoying the process. Don’t be afraid to make this dish your own. Whether you pick different fillings or sauces, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!](https://cheftaling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1d96ab5c-7487-4adc-97f2-068947eb67b3-250x250.webp)
Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells
Savor the season with these delicious Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells! This comforting recipe blends creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and sautéed butternut squash into jumbo pasta shells, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella. Perfect for cozy dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and is sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this tasty, autumn-inspired meal to your table!