Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are a comforting Italian-inspired baked pasta dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, and finely chopped cooked mushrooms. The shells are baked in rich Alfredo sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, creating a luscious, flavorful entree perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 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 base, 1 cup for topping)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells following the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly, ensuring they are ready to be stuffed.
- 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 thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a creamy filling.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour 1 cup of Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish, spreading it to create a flavorful base layer.
- Stuff Shells: Generously fill each cooked pasta shell with the prepared mushroom and cheese filling. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish on top of the Alfredo sauce in a single layer for even baking.
- Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour the remaining 1 cup of Alfredo sauce evenly over the arranged shells. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top to add a bubbly, golden finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and has a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Serve: Allow the baked stuffed shells to cool for a few minutes before serving warm, ensuring a creamy and satisfying pasta dish.
Notes
- You can substitute Alfredo sauce with a homemade version or use marinara for a tomato-based variation.
- The cooked mushrooms can be sautéed for added flavor before mixing into the filling.
- For a vegetarian dish, ensure the Alfredo sauce contains no animal-derived ingredients or use a plant-based alternative.
- Leftover stuffed shells can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top before serving adds freshness and color.
Keywords: Stuffed Shells, Creamy Garlic, Mushroom Pasta, Baked Pasta, Italian Dinner, Vegetarian Recipe, Alfredo Sauce Pasta
