Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells

These Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are the perfect comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with earthy mushroom flavor. The combination of tender pasta shells, creamy ricotta, and a luscious garlic-infused sauce makes this a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Comforting: A creamy, cheesy filling with a velvety garlic sauce.
• Packed with Flavor: Garlic, mushrooms, and herbs create the perfect balance.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps for a restaurant-quality dish.
• Great for Meal Prep: Can be made ahead and baked later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stuffed Shells:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells (12–15 shells) – The perfect shape for stuffing.
• Ricotta Cheese (1 cup) – Makes the filling creamy and rich.
• Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Adds gooey, melty goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated) – Enhances the flavor with a salty bite.
• Mushrooms (2 cups, finely chopped) – Any variety works (button, cremini, or portobello).
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Brings deep savory flavor.
• Spinach (1 cup, chopped, optional) – Adds freshness and nutrition.
• Egg (1 large) – Helps bind the filling.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Enhances all the flavors.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – For sautéing the mushrooms and garlic.

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

• Butter (3 tbsp) – Creates a rich base.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – The star of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Makes the sauce smooth and velvety.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth (½ cup) – Adds depth to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated) – Gives the sauce a savory kick.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Balances the flavors.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional) – Adds a pop of color.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot (for boiling shells)
• 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. Boil the jumbo shells in salted water 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. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in spinach (if using) 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.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!

What to Serve with This Dish

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

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: The shells will continue to soften while baking.
• Don’t Overfill: Leave a little space for the filling to expand.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and gives the best texture.
• Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready.

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 flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! 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 ultimate comfort food—cheesy, creamy, and bursting with flavor. 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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