Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells combine tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, and sautéed mushrooms, all baked in rich Alfredo sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner that balances creamy textures and robust garlic flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package instructions
Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Topping
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce, divided (1 cup for the base and 1 cup on top)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly, ensuring they remain intact for stuffing.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, finely chopped cooked mushrooms, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, forming a creamy, flavorful stuffing.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add moisture.
- Stuff Shells: Using a spoon, generously fill each cooked pasta shell with the mushroom and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish to ensure even baking.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour the remaining 1 cup of Alfredo sauce over the arranged shells, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake for 25 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown, signaling that the dish is perfectly cooked and ready to serve.
Notes
- Be sure to not overcook the pasta shells as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- The cooked mushrooms can be sautéed prior to mixing for enhanced flavor.
- Use fresh garlic minced instead of powder if preferred for a stronger garlic taste.
- Substitute Alfredo sauce with homemade white sauce for a fresher touch.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the Alfredo sauce and cheeses do not contain animal-derived rennet.
Keywords: stuffed shells, mushroom stuffed pasta, creamy garlic pasta, baked pasta shells, vegetarian Italian recipe
