A luxurious autumn dish that combines creamy pumpkin and nutty Gouda cheese stuffed into jumbo pasta shells, topped with a rich brown butter and sage Alfredo sauce. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy dinners.
1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded (plus ½ cup for topping)
2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of generously salted boiling water until al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions). Drain carefully and lay them flat on a baking sheet to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded smoked Gouda (reserving ½ cup for topping), chopped sage, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix until just combined.
Carefully fill each cooled shell with about 2 tablespoons of the pumpkin mixture. Place the filled shells in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma (about 3-5 minutes). Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Pour half of the brown butter sage sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining smoked Gouda cheese on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with the reserved sauce and garnish with additional fresh sage leaves if desired.
Notes
Fresh pumpkin puree provides a deeper, more complex flavor than canned.
When selecting Gouda, look for a well-aged variety with a pronounced smoky flavor.
Be careful not to burn the butter when making the brown butter sauce.
The dish stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For freezing, assemble the stuffed shells without sauce, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month.