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Butternut Squash and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells.

Butternut Squash and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells Delight

This Butternut Squash and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe is a comforting dish perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil for roasting butternut squash
  • 2 cups Cubed butternut squash peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh thyme leaves for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes for a pinch of spice
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper to taste
  • 4 slices Prosciutto adds savory flavor
For the Pasta and Cheese
  • 12 pieces Jumbo shells for stuffing
  • 1 cup Whole milk ricotta cheese creamy filling
  • 1 cup Shredded fontina or provolone cheese for richness
  • 2 cups Mezzetta Artisan Ingredients Marinara Sauce for moisture and flavor
  • 1 cup Mozzarella torn into pieces for topping
For Garnishing
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

  • oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Large pot
  • Medium bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. On a baking sheet, toss the olive oil, butternut squash, thyme, and a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper together. Lay the prosciutto atop the squash. Bake for 15-25 minutes, until the prosciutto is crispy. If the squash isn't tender yet, return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
  2. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the jumbo shells and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain the shells and set aside.
  3. Mix in a medium bowl, combining the ricotta, fontina, and roasted butternut squash mixture. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavors!
  4. Assemble by spooning 2-3 cups of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture and place them into the baking dish with the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and top with torn mozzarella. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top.
  5. Serve the shells hot, topped with crispy prosciutto and fresh basil. Enjoy each comforting bite of this delightful meal!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Drizzle with a little balsamic reduction for an extra layer of flavor.

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