Best 3 Butternut Squash Ricotta Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Butternut squash ricotta spinach stuffed shells is a delectable dish that combines the naturally sweet flavor of butternut squash with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese and the vibrant green of spinach, all enveloped in tender pasta shells. This gourmet meal is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or a cozy family dinner. With a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you can create this culinary masterpiece that will surely impress your taste buds.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

BUTTERNUT SQUASH-STUFFED SHELLS



Butternut Squash-Stuffed Shells image

These stuffed shells are packed with a spicy spinach and ricotta filling and nestled in a cozy roasted butternut Alfredo sauce.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

10 ounces diced butternut squash (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 small shallot, halved
1 clove garlic, unpeeled
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
1 large leaf fresh sage, finely chopped, plus more for serving
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
30 jumbo pasta shells (about 10 ounces)
1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
Two 10-ounce packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
2 cups whole-milk ricotta
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
2 cups grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup freshly grated mozzarella

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Add the squash, shallot and garlic to a baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss to combine. Sprinkle with the thyme, sage, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and toss again. Roast until the squash is tender and light golden, about 30 minutes. Let cool.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and let cool.
  • Squeeze the roasted garlic into a small food processor or blender, add the squash, shallot and vegetable broth and puree until smooth.
  • Mix together the spinach, cream cheese, ricotta, red pepper flakes, 2/3 cup of the Parmesan and 1 tablespoon salt in a large bowl. Stuff about 2 tablespoons of the spinach mixture into each shell; set aside.
  • Add the pureed squash mixture, heavy cream and butter to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, whisking frequently, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the nutmeg, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and the remaining 1 1/3 cups Parmesan.
  • Spread the cheese sauce into the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish seam-side up, shingling them so they all fit (you should have 5 shells along the short side and 6 shells along the long side). Top with the mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes. Top with more Parmesan and sage before serving.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, RICOTTA & SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS RECIPE - (4.2/5)



Butternut Squash, Ricotta & Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe - (4.2/5) image

Provided by Jomamma

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (12-ounce) package jumbo pasta shells (about 24 shells total)
2 cups of ricotta
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1 fresh smashed garlic clove
1/4 cup frozen chopped spinach (squeezed and drained)
1 egg
Salt and pepper, to taste
Roasted squash, around 2 cups
grated lemon peel
1 stick of butter
10 sage leaves
Fresh lemon juice

Steps:

  • Peel, chop and toss in olive oil your butternut squash, then in a hot oven roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes. Cook your jumbo pasta shells according to directions. In a bowl add approximately 2 cups of ricotta, 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, 1 fresh smashed garlic clove, 1/4 cup frozen chopped spinach ( squeezed and drained), 1 egg, salt, pepper, and your cooled down roasted squash, around 2 cups and grated lemon peel. The lemon peel was key to this dish and added a nice bright flavor. Stuff the shells with the mixture and place in a buttered baking dish. Make a sage brown butter sauce by melting 1 stick of butter in a saute pan until golden brown and bubbly. Add at least 10 sage leaves until slightly crisp. Turn off heat and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Place your shells in a 400°F oven until heated through around 20-25 minutes. When finished spoon your warm sage sauce all over and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH STUFFED SHELLS



Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells image

This stuffed shells recipe is great for entertaining. Make it as a vegetarian main at Thanksgiving or serve it for the winter holidays!

Provided by Jeanine Donofrio

Categories     Main dish

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 16

1½ cups cubed butternut squash
extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
16 jumbo shells
1½ cups raw cashews* (see note)
1 cup fresh water
1 garlic clove
3½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
freshly ground pepper
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup crumbled firm tofu
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
pinch of red pepper flakes
1 cup cashew cream (from the recipe above)
sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the butternut squash with a drizzle of olive oil and a few generous pinches of salt and pepper. Roast until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Make the cashew cream: Blend together the drained raw cashews, fresh water, garlic, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper.
  • Make the filling: In a medium skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach in increments, along with a pinch of salt, and sauté until all the spinach is incorporated and wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Squeeze out any excess liquid and chop. In a medium bowl, combine the the spinach with the crumbled tofu, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, at least 1/4 teaspoon salt, freshly ground black pepper and 1 cup of cashew cream. Season to taste, adding more salt and pepper as desired.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shells and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain.
  • Assemble the shells. Spread ¼ cup of the reserved cashew cream on the bottom of an 11x7-inch baking dish. Fill each cooked shell with some of the filling and a few cubes of butternut squash, and place into the baking dish. Drizzle a little olive oil over the shells, cover with foil, and bake for 15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from the oven and serve with the remaining cashew cream.

Tips:

  • Choose the right squash: Look for butternut squash that is firm and heavy for its size. Avoid squash with blemishes or soft spots.
  • Roast the squash properly: Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness and flavor. Make sure to roast the squash until it is tender and slightly caramelized.
  • Use fresh ricotta cheese: Fresh ricotta cheese is essential for the filling. It should be smooth and creamy, with a slightly tangy flavor.
  • Don't overcook the shells: The shells should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked shells will be mushy.
  • Serve the dish immediately: This dish is best served immediately, while the shells are still hot and the filling is warm and melted.

Conclusion:

Butternut squash ricotta spinach stuffed shells is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The combination of roasted butternut squash, creamy ricotta cheese, and fresh spinach is simply irresistible. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make this dish at home. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting pasta recipe, give butternut squash ricotta spinach stuffed shells a try. You won't be disappointed!

Related Topics