Chicken and Pumpkin Cheese Stuffed Shells

46 g
Protein
859
Calories
70 g
Carbs
44 g
Total Fat
20 min
Prep Time
40 min
Cook Time
6
Servings
Chicken and Pumpkin Cheese Stuffed Shells in a cast iron skillet

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 pound ground Italian chicken sausage
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano 
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper
  • kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 pound jumbo shells
  • 16 ounces (about 2 cups) of cottage cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Fontina cheese
  • 1 cup basil pesto, homemade or store bought
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella, torn or balls
  • fresh basil, for serving

Nutrition Facts

per serving

Calories: 859
Protein: 46 g
Carbohydrate: 70 g
Fiber: 5 g
Total Fat: 44 g
Saturated fat: 16 g
Cholesterol: 115 mg
Calcium: 103% DV
Sodium: 1324 mg

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or dish of similar size.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken sausage and brown all over, about 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the bell pepper, pumpkin, water, milk, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as you need.

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat and boil the pasta until al dente according to package directions.

In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, fontina, and 1/2 cup pesto. 

To assemble, spoon 3/4 of the pumpkin sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Working with one pasta shell at a time, spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture into each shell, placing the filled shell into the baking dish as you go. Spoon the remaining pumpkin sauce over top of the shells and then drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup pesto evenly over everything. Top with mozzarella.

Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake 20-25 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is lightly browned on top. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh basil. Enjoy!

 

Recipe credit: Inspiration for Moms

Check out our other recipes from Inspiration for Moms: 
Romaine, Pear and Cheese Salad
Chai Pumpkin Bundt Cake

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