When the weather cools and comfort food cravings take center stage, few dishes satisfy quite like Creamy Pumpkin Gouda Stuffed Shells. This recipe combines everything we love about fall cooking—rich pumpkin purée, nutty melted gouda, tender pasta, and a luxurious cream sauce—into one irresistible baked pasta dish. It’s elegant enough for entertaining yet comforting enough for a quiet weeknight dinner, making it a true seasonal staple.

Pumpkin isn’t just for desserts. In savory recipes, it delivers a subtle sweetness and velvety texture that pairs beautifully with cheese, herbs, and pasta. In this dish, pumpkin becomes the base of a creamy sauce that coats each jumbo shell, while smoked or aged gouda adds depth and richness that elevates the entire bake.

Whether you’re planning a cozy autumn dinner, a holiday side dish, or a meatless main course that still feels indulgent, this pumpkin gouda pasta bake is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Pumpkin Gouda Stuffed Shells

This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s thoughtfully balanced and endlessly adaptable.

Seasonal & comforting: Perfect for fall and winter meals
Vegetarian-friendly: Hearty enough to satisfy without meat
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble early and bake later
Crowd-pleasing: Ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings
Creamy without being heavy: Pumpkin lightens the sauce naturally

The combination of pumpkin and gouda creates a flavor profile that feels both cozy and sophisticated. Gouda’s mild smokiness enhances the pumpkin’s earthiness, while herbs like sage or thyme add an aromatic finish.

Ingredients for Creamy Pumpkin Gouda Stuffed Shells

Jumbo pasta shells
Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
Ricotta cheese
Shredded gouda cheese
Heavy cream
Vegetable broth
Garlic
Onion or shallot
Olive oil or butter
Fresh sage or thyme
Nutmeg
Salt
Black pepper
Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Each ingredient plays a key role. Pumpkin provides body and color, ricotta adds lightness to the filling, and gouda melts beautifully into the sauce for a rich, cohesive texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the pasta shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo shells until just al dente. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet to cool.
Prepare the pumpkin cream sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. Stir in pumpkin purée, cream, vegetable broth, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently until smooth and slightly thickened.
Make the cheese filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded gouda, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Stuff the shells
Spoon the ricotta-gouda mixture generously into each shell.
Assemble the dish
Spread a layer of pumpkin sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells on top. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the shells.
Bake to perfection
Cover with foil and bake until bubbly. Uncover, sprinkle with extra gouda or parmesan, and bake again until lightly golden.
Rest and serve
Let rest briefly before serving to allow the sauce to settle.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly firm shells hold their shape better
Use quality gouda: Aged or smoked gouda adds extra depth
Season every layer: Pumpkin benefits from salt and spice
Let it rest: This helps the sauce thicken naturally

Variations & Add-Ins

Add greens: Spinach or kale folded into the filling
Add protein: Crispy pancetta or roasted chicken
Make it spicy: Red pepper flakes or chili oil
Dairy-light version: Use half-and-half instead of cream

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Pumpkin Gouda Stuffed Shells with:

A crisp green salad
Garlic bread or focaccia
Roasted Brussels sprouts
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

This dish shines as a main course but also works beautifully as a holiday side.

Pumpkin Pasta: A Fall Tradition

Pumpkin-based savory dishes have roots in Italian cuisine, particularly in northern regions where squash-filled pasta is common. This modern American twist blends Italian inspiration with autumn flavors, making it both familiar and exciting.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance
Freeze: Fully assembled, unbaked
Reheat: Covered at 350°F until warmed through

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that truly captures the essence of fall comfort food, Creamy Pumpkin Gouda Stuffed Shells delivers in every way. Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special.