Dreamy Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe

Savory garlic mushroom stuffed shells bring pure comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Pasta shells create the perfect vessel for a rich, earthy filling that melts in your mouth.

Mushrooms provide a robust depth that transforms this classic dish into something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of creamy textures and intense seasonings.

Herbs and cheese complement the umami-packed mushroom mixture, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Surprisingly simple ingredients come together to craft an impressive dinner that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Come explore this delectable recipe that will become your new favorite weeknight indulgence.

Why Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Are A Must

• Savor Gourmet Simplicity: Transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that feels luxurious yet easy to prepare.
• Customize with Creativity: Adaptable recipe allowing personal tweaks like adding different herbs, using alternative cheeses, or incorporating extra vegetables for unique flavor profiles.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone craves a hearty, cheesy pasta experience that satisfies multiple taste preferences.
• Nutritious Indulgence: Packed with protein from ricotta and Parmesan, mushrooms providing earthy nutrients, making this dish both delicious and somewhat nutritionally balanced.

What You’ll Need For Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with creamy mushroom filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that provides a smooth base for the stuffing mixture.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and flavorful ingredient that adds depth to the stuffing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that adds richness and moisture to the stuffed shells.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a golden, bubbly topping for the dish.

• Egg, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that bind the filling together and provide robust flavor to the stuffed shells.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How To Prepare Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Cook jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted water following package directions. Once tender, carefully drain the shells and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel to cool and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Mushroom Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan
• Beaten egg
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread a generous layer of Alfredo sauce across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a creamy base for the shells.

Step 4: Stuff Pasta Shells

Take each cooled pasta shell and carefully fill it with the mushroom and cheese mixture. Nestle the stuffed shells into the sauce-covered baking dish, arranging them snugly.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Sauce

Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are completely covered. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top for a golden, melty finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Tips For Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Success

• Pat shells dry after boiling to prevent watery filling and ensure better stuffing consistency.
• Sauté mushrooms thoroughly to remove excess moisture, creating a more concentrated flavor profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute part-skim ricotta and use low-fat mozzarella to reduce overall calories.
• Enhance vegetarian protein by adding spinach or chopped walnuts to the mushroom filling for extra nutrition.
• Prepare shells ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier.

Twist Ideas For Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells

• Spinach Sensation: Replace mushrooms with sautéed spinach and add crumbled feta cheese for a green, tangy variation.
• Sausage Splash: Mix cooked Italian sausage into the ricotta filling for a hearty, meaty version that adds extra protein and rich flavor.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, and roasted red peppers into the filling for a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Seafood Spectacular: Swap mushrooms for lump crab meat or chopped shrimp, blending with cream cheese and chives for an elegant seafood alternative.

Best Pairings For Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Chianti that complements the creamy, earthy mushroom flavors while cutting through the rich cheese.
• Enhance with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, decadent pasta dish and provide a crisp, tangy contrast.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add nutritious green vegetables that harmonize with the mushroom's deep umami notes.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to refresh the palate and highlight the delicate mushroom and garlic undertones.

How To Store Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Well

• Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat Oven Method: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Microwave Quick Option: Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Q&A

• Can I use different types of mushrooms in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the mushrooms with cremini, shiitake, or a mix of wild mushrooms for varied flavors and textures.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it doesn’t contain meat. Just ensure your Alfredo sauce is also vegetarian.

• Can I prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the shells a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure your Alfredo sauce is gluten-free. Check labels carefully to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful creamy garlic mushroom stuffed shells bring Italian comfort right to your dinner table. Rich pasta pockets filled with earthy mushrooms and smooth garlic sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cooked mushrooms
• 2 cups alfredo sauce

Cheese and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes. Carefully drain and let cool on a clean kitchen towel.
2. Sauté mushrooms in a skillet until they release moisture and turn golden brown, creating a rich, concentrated flavor.
3. Mix ricotta, grated Parmesan, cooled mushrooms, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
4. Heat oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish by spreading a thin layer of Alfredo sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking.
5. Using a spoon, generously fill each pasta shell with the mushroom-cheese mixture, ensuring each shell is packed completely.
6. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, nestling them close together.
7. Drizzle remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the shells, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top for a melty, golden finish.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
10. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns bubbly and edges become crispy golden brown.

Notes

• Use whole wheat jumbo shells for a healthier, fiber-rich alternative that adds nutty depth to the dish.
• Sauté mushrooms with fresh thyme or rosemary to enhance their earthy flavor and create a more complex filling.
• For a gluten-free version, replace pasta shells with zucchini boats or large portobello mushroom caps as a low-carb substitute.
• Opt for plant-based ricotta and mozzarella to make this recipe completely vegetarian or vegan-friendly, maintaining the creamy texture and rich taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 65mg