Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells

These Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, creamy, and packed with rich, garlicky mushroom goodness. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant meal, this dish is both satisfying and full of flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy: A luscious garlic Parmesan sauce coats every bite.
• Packed with Flavor: Sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and cheese make the perfect combination.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple steps for a restaurant-quality dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stuffed Shells:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells (12–15 shells) – The perfect size for stuffing.
• Ricotta Cheese (1 cup) – Creates a smooth, creamy filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Melts beautifully for gooey goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated) – Adds a rich, savory depth.
• Mushrooms (2 cups, finely chopped) – Use button, cremini, or portobello.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Essential for bold, savory flavor.
• Spinach (1 cup, chopped, optional) – Adds color and freshness.
• Egg (1 large) – Helps bind the filling.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Enhances the flavors.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – For sautéing the mushrooms.

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

• Butter (3 tbsp) – Forms the rich base of the sauce.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Infuses the sauce with deep flavor.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Makes the sauce velvety and smooth.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth (½ cup) – Adds depth to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated) – Creates a creamy, cheesy sauce.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Balances the flavors.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional) – Adds a fresh finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Skillet (for cooking mushrooms and garlic)
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish
• Whisk
• Spoon for stuffing shells

How to Make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add jumbo shells and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Mushroom Filling

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. If using spinach, add it now and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, sautéed mushrooms, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

5. Spoon the filling into each cooked pasta shell and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

6. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Pour in heavy cream and broth, whisking constantly. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

9. Pour the garlic cream sauce over the stuffed shells. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
10. Remove foil, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, and bake for 5 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!

What to Serve with This Dish

• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
• A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: The shells will continue softening in the oven.
• Don’t Overfill: Leave a little space in each shell for the filling to expand.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and enhances texture.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Storing & Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 40 minutes.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta or add Gruyère for extra depth.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What mushrooms work best?
Cremini, button, or portobello all work well for this recipe.

Conclusion

These Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 550mg

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