Stuffed Shells with Pumpkin (VT) Recipe

1 12-ounce package jumbo pasta shells
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, all-purpose flour
1 and 1/2 cups milk
1 and 1/2 cups grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
2 cups cooked pumpkin or squash
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup chopped raw spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
1 clove garlic, crushed
Olive oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil pasta until done, and rinse with cold water. Do not overcook or shells will tear when being stuffed. Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in flour; continue stirring and add milk. When sauce thickens, stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. If too thick, add another 1/2 cup milk. Season to taste and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup Parmesan cheese, pumpkin, ricotta, spinach, salt, pepper and garlic. Lightly oil a 2-quart baking dish. Stuff shells with pumpkin filling, and place in baking dish. Cover shells with sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella over top. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6 to 8.

Tips From Our Test Kitchen: Gruyere cheese is a nice substitute for mozzarella.