Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, sautéed mushrooms, and infused with garlic powder. Baked in rich Alfredo sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, this dish offers a luscious, cheesy flavor perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- 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 Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped cooked mushrooms, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of Alfredo sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Stuff Shells: Generously fill each cooked pasta shell with the prepared mushroom and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish on top of the Alfredo sauce base.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining 1 cup of Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Notes
- Cook the pasta shells just until al dente to avoid them becoming too soft during baking.
- You can use fresh mushrooms sautéed until tender for better flavor and texture.
- If desired, add fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a more intense garlic taste.
- Covering the dish while baking helps keep the shells moist and prevents the sauce from drying out.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and be easier to portion.
Keywords: creamy garlic mushroom, stuffed shells, pasta shells, ricotta cheese, Alfredo sauce, baked pasta dish, vegetarian Italian recipe
