Go Back
–+ servings
Gorgonzola & Walnut Stuffed Shells

Gorgonzola & Walnut Stuffed Shells

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Servings

4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 20-22 pasta shells, large, dry (about 6 ounces dry weight, each shell should be about 2 inches long)

FILLING

  • 5 ounces gorgonzola cheese
  • 5 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg Yolk
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped toasted California walnuts

SAUCE

  • 1 cup canned roasted red peppers, drained
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 large garlic cloves minced
  • 1 3/4 cup milk, low-fat
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Put a large pot of salted water (for pasta shells) on high heat and bring to a boil.

MAKE THE FILLING

  • Combine the Gorgonzola and ricotta cheese with the egg yolk in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Blend until smooth.
  • Add walnuts and process in on/off spurts junt until blended.
  • Scrape filling into a large bowl and set aside while you make the sauce.

MAKE THE SAUCE

  • Puree the roasted red peppers in the food processor until smooth. Set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over moderate heat. Add flour and garlic and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute.
  • Add milk and whisk until smooth.
  • Bring to a boil, whisking frequently, then blend in wine and red pepper puree.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in cheese, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • Cook the pasta: drop pasta shells into boiling, salted water and cook until they are barely tender, about 9 to 10 minutes. Drain in a colander, rinse with cold water, then place, open side down, on paper towels to drain.
  • Assemble and bake the shells: get out a 9″x12″ oval or 9″ square baking dish just large enough to hold the stuffed shells in one layer.
  • Coat baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread half the red pepper sauce over the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon a generous tablespoon of filling into each pasta shell and place, filled side up, in the baking dish.
  • Fill all shells, then spoon remaining sauce over filled shells and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake about 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 to 10 minutes more, until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
  • Source: Chef Hank Winkle and California