Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe
A delicious and creamy baked pasta dish featuring jumbo shells stuffed with a savory mixture of ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and sautéed mushrooms, all topped with rich Alfredo sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner that combines hearty mushrooms and cheesy goodness in every bite.
- 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, 1 cup for topping)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the 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 to achieve a creamy yet firm filling.
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of Alfredo sauce evenly on the bottom of a suitable baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Stuff the shells: Generously fill each cooked pasta shell with the mushroom and cheese mixture. Place each stuffed shell in the baking dish carefully, arranging them close together but not overlapping.
- Add sauce and cheese topping: Pour the remaining 1 cup of Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create a delicious golden crust when baked.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to heat through.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy garlic mushroom stuffed shells warm.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta shells during boiling as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better texture and flavor.
- Cook the mushrooms beforehand to remove excess moisture and enhance their flavor.
- You can add fresh garlic instead of powder for a stronger garlic flavor if preferred.
- Covering the dish with foil during the initial bake helps prevent the cheese from burning while heating through.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving.
Keywords: creamy garlic mushroom stuffed shells, stuffed pasta shells, baked pasta, ricotta mushroom shells, Alfredo stuffed shells, vegetarian Italian recipe
