Pumpkin & Gouda Stuffed Shells With Brown Butter & Sage Alfredo Sauce

Cozy Autumn Pasta Dream: Pumpkin, Gouda, and Sage

On a crisp fall night, the kitchen fills with the scent of warm spices, toasty butter, and a hint of sage. I wanted something hearty and comforting, yet bright enough to feel celebratory. These pumpkin and Gouda stuffed shells hit that exact spot—creamy pumpkin filling tucked into sturdy pasta, crowned with a glossy brown-butter and sage Alfredo that smells like a stroll through a sunlit orchard. It’s a hug on a plate, perfect for Pinterest-worthy dinners.

Make-ahead friendly and crowd-pleasing, this dish travels well from a weeknight supper to a weekend gathering. Gather your ingredients, set the table, and let the kitchen bloom with cozy flavors that feel special without requiring all-day prep.

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells, 20–24 pieces — cook until just al dente so they’ll hold the filling without tearing.
• Unsweetened pumpkin puree, 1 cup — use plain pumpkin for rich color and sweetness; avoid pie filling.
• Ricotta cheese, 1 cup — for light creaminess; substitute cottage cheese for a lighter option if desired.
• Gouda cheese, 1 cup, shredded — adds a nutty, mellow melt; smoked Gouda works beautifully for depth.
• Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup, grated — for salty, toasty notes in the filling.
• Egg,1 large — helps bind the filling so it stays put in the shells.
• Garlic, 2 cloves, minced — a bright kick that complements pumpkin.
• Fresh sage, 8–10 leaves, finely chopped (plus a few leaves for garnish) — the star aroma with pumpkin.
• Salt & pepper — to taste
• Nutmeg, a pinch — a warm whisper that echoes pumpkin spice without overpowering.
• Olive oil, 1 tablespoon — for mixing and lightly brushing fillings if needed.
• For the Brown Butter & Sage Alfredo Sauce:
• Butter, 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) — browned until nutty and amber for depth.
• Heavy cream, 1 cup — makes the sauce silky smooth.
• Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup, grated — extra cheesy, extra luscious.
• Garlic, 1 clove, minced — optional, for a fuller aroma in the Alfredo.
• Fresh sage, 6–8 leaves — torn or chopped for the sauce and garnish.
• Salt & pepper — to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes — a touch of heat if you like it spicy.
• Gouda or extra parmesan, for topping — optional, but pretty and delicious.
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells until just tender, about 7–9 minutes. Drain and rinse lightly with cold water to stop the cooking; set aside.
2. In a bowl, stir together pumpkin puree, ricotta, Gouda, Parmesan, egg, garlic, chopped sage, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the filling is smooth and cohesive. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until it turns a warm amber color with a nutty aroma, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic (if using) and sage; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in Parmesan until glossy. Season with salt and pepper; keep warm.
4. Lightly oil a baking dish or brush with a bit of sauce. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of filling into each shell, then nestle the filled shells seam-side down in the pan. Pour about half of the Alfredo sauce over the shells to lightly coat them, reserving the rest for serving. If you like a cheesy top, sprinkle a little extra Gouda or Parmesan over the shells.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the tops are lightly golden.
6. For a final burst of color and aroma, broil for 1–2 minutes if you want the tops extra bubbly and lightly browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
7. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes, then spoon remaining Alfredo over the shells and garnish with crisp sage leaves and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these shells with something bright to balance the richness. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a welcome zing, while roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple herby kale salad keeps the plate feeling fresh. Crusty garlic bread or a slice of warm, buttery focaccia is a lovely side to mop up the luscious sauce.

Make it a full meal by adding a lean protein on the side, such as roasted chicken thighs or sautéed mushrooms with thyme. For plating, spoon extra Alfredo over each shell before plating, then finish with a light drizzle of olive oil, a shaving of Parmesan, and a few sage leaves for aroma and color.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin & Gouda Stuffed Shells dish marries the sweetness of pumpkin with the savory depth of Gouda and a nutty, sage-scented Alfredo. It’s cozy enough for chilly evenings, yet elegant enough to serve for a special occasion. The make-ahead filling and sauce can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before dinner, making weeknights feel effortless and impressive.

Tips for success: cook shells to al dente, don’t overfill the filling, and let the sauce rest briefly after browning to settle its flavors. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the sauce can be reheated gently with a splash of cream to restore silkiness. If you’re pinning this recipe, save the steps so you can revisit the comforting flavors whenever a craving for fall comfort strikes.