The Dreamiest Cheesy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe Ever

Pasta shells brimming with garlic mushroom magic create a delightful comfort dish that sparks pure culinary excitement.

Savory mushrooms mingle with rich cheese inside delicate pasta pockets, promising a flavor explosion.

These shells pack an irresistible combination of earthy and creamy notes that dance across your palate.

Tender mushrooms sautéed with fragrant garlic provide depth and complexity to every bite.

Melted cheese binds the filling, creating a luxurious texture that feels indulgent yet homemade.

Each shell represents a perfect balance of rustic ingredients and elegant preparation.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms a simple meal into a memorable dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 4

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Shells Ingredient Lineup

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding creamy, rich fillings, choose high-quality pasta for best texture and structure.

• Cream Cheese: Adds luxurious smoothness and tangy richness to the mushroom stuffing.
• Ricotta Cheese: Provides light, soft texture and subtle dairy sweetness to the filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty depth and helps bind the stuffing together.
• White Mushrooms: Earthy, tender base for the stuffing with deep umami flavor.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Adds intense, meaty flavor and interesting texture to the filling.
• Garlic: Aromatic foundation that elevates the entire mushroom mixture with its pungent warmth.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light herbal notes to the stuffing.

• Salt: Enhances and balances all flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity to the mushroom filling.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté mushrooms and adds a silky, smooth base for cooking.

Kitchen Tools for Filling and Baking Stuffed Shells

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling jumbo pasta shells with plenty of space and salt.
• Colander: Essential for draining pasta shells quickly and effectively.
• Measuring Cups: Help accurately measure ingredients for creamy mushroom filling.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping mushrooms and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool to slice mushrooms and other ingredients with precision.
• Mixing Bowl: Use for combining filling ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing filling components gently.
• Baking Dish: Provides the right space for assembling and baking stuffed shells.

Instructions to Get the Sauce Just Right

• Prepare Pasta Shells

Boil a pot of salted water and cook jumbo pasta shells until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and let them cool down while you get ready for the delicious filling.

• Craft Mushroom Mixture

Sauté fresh mushrooms with minced garlic in a skillet until they release their mouth-watering aroma and become golden brown. Chop the mushrooms finely and mix with creamy ricotta cheese, creating a rich and savory filling that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Stuff and Arrange Shells

Gently fill each cooled pasta shell with the luscious mushroom and cheese mixture. Nestle the stuffed shells into a baking dish, making sure they’re cozy and close together.

• Create Creamy Sauce

Whip up a velvety sauce by blending heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of herbs. Pour this luxurious mixture over the stuffed shells, ensuring every shell gets a generous coating.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking dish into a preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the sauce is bubbling with excitement.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Additions That Make This Dish Even More Savory

• Stuffing Perfection: Gently fill shells with a spoon or piping bag for neat, even distribution of creamy mushroom mixture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for a stress-free meal.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Swap regular cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or vegan cream cheese to accommodate lactose-intolerant guests.
• Protein Power-Up: Add cooked shredded chicken or crumbled plant-based ground protein to the mushroom filling for extra nutritional boost and hearty flavor.
• Herb Garden Hack: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil mixed into the filling to elevate the dish's aromatic profile and add brightness.

How to Serve These Shells with Elegance

• Pasta Party Platter: Arrange the stuffed shells beautifully on a large wooden board with fresh herbs sprinkled on top, creating an inviting centerpiece for gatherings.
• Elegant Side Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy mushroom filling and add a fresh contrast.
• Wine & Dine Pairing: Complement the earthy mushroom flavors with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir that enhances the dish's creamy texture.
• Vegetable Harmony: Roast some seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts as a nutritious side that adds color and additional nutrients to the meal.

Storage Tips to Keep the Filling Smooth

• Quick Cool-Down Strategy: Let cooked shells rest on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking and absorb excess moisture, ensuring perfect texture for stuffing.
• Smart Refrigeration Technique: Store prepared shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the filling fresh and flavors intact.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 4 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking for a convenient make-ahead meal.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide the stuffed shells into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners, maximizing meal prep efficiency.

Cheesy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Garlic mushroom stuffed shells showcase Italian comfort cuisine with rich, earthy flavors. Cheesy pasta pockets deliver delightful textures that comfort and satisfy hungry palates effortlessly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil Pasta: Salt water in a large pot and cook jumbo shells until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain in a colander and spread on a clean kitchen towel to cool evenly.
2. Prepare Filling: Sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then blend with ricotta cheese, chopped mushrooms, parsley, and grated parmesan. Season with salt, black pepper, and a hint of nutmeg for depth of flavor.
3. Stuff Shells: Carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with the creamy mushroom mixture, ensuring a generous but neat portion in each shell. Arrange stuffed shells in a lightly greased baking dish, creating a snug, even layer.
4. Create Sauce: Whisk together heavy cream, remaining parmesan, and a splash of white wine in a saucepan. Simmer until slightly thickened, then pour evenly over the stuffed shells, allowing the sauce to cascade between the pasta pockets.
5. Bake and Finish: Preheat oven to 375°F and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden and slightly crispy. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set.

Notes

• Choose Jumbo Shells Carefully: Select large, sturdy shells that can hold the creamy mushroom filling without tearing or breaking during cooking.
• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Add a splash of olive oil to the boiling water to help shells separate and reduce the chances of them sticking together.
• Master Pasta Texture: Cook shells just until al dente, ensuring they remain firm enough to hold the filling without becoming mushy or falling apart.
• Cool Strategically: Arrange shells in a single layer on a towel, allowing air circulation to prevent moisture buildup and maintain their structural integrity for easy stuffing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg