Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are a delicious vegetarian pasta dish featuring jumbo shells filled with a savory mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, mushrooms, and seasonings, baked in rich Alfredo sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting family meal or special occasion, this recipe combines creamy textures and garlic-infused flavors that satisfy both mushroom lovers and pasta enthusiasts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Shells and Sauce
- 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce, divided (1 cup for base and 1 cup for topping)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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
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 are ready to be stuffed.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped cooked mushrooms, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is well-blended and creamy.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking 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 infuse flavor.
- Stuff Pasta Shells: Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell generously with the prepared mushroom and cheese filling, then arrange them in the baking dish over the Alfredo sauce base.
- 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 luscious cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the shells to heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the mozzarella cheese is bubbly and golden brown, signaling the dish is perfectly cooked and ready to serve.
Notes
- Cook the jumbo shells al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy after baking.
- Use fresh or sautéed mushrooms according to preference, finely chopped for better texture in the filling.
- The egg in the filling helps bind the mixture together for easier stuffing and prevents it from falling apart.
- Covering the dish with foil initially ensures the shells cook through without drying out.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder if desired.
- If a dairy-free version is needed, substitute cheeses and Alfredo sauce with plant-based alternatives.
Keywords: Stuffed Shells, Mushroom Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Vegetarian Dinner, Garlic Mushroom Recipe, Baked Pasta
