Indulging in a plate of creamy garlic mushroom stuffed shells feels like giving your taste buds a luxurious hug. The rich, velvety filling oozes with flavor, while the perfectly cooked pasta shell wraps it all up like a cozy blanket ready for a cozy evening. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.
Picture this: you’ve had a long day, the type that demands comfort food, and suddenly the aroma of roasted garlic and sautéed mushrooms wafts through your kitchen. It’s like a warm invitation to sit down and savor something truly delightful. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, these stuffed shells are bound to become a staple in your home. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These creamy garlic mushroom stuffed shells are super easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The harmonious blend of flavors will have you coming back for seconds
- Their gorgeous presentation adds elegance to any table setting, making them perfect for entertaining
- Plus, they can be customized with your favorite ingredients based on what you have at home
I remember the first time I made these creamy garlic mushroom stuffed shells; my friends practically fought over the last one! The smiles on their faces were worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pasta Shells: Opt for large pasta shells so you can stuff them generously with that creamy filling.
Fresh Mushrooms: Use a mix of button and cremini mushrooms for depth of flavor and texture.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential; it elevates the dish with its fragrant aroma.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese provides a lovely base and makes the filling rich and delicious.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds saltiness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Spinach: Fresh spinach not only adds color but also nutritional value; plus, it wilts beautifully into the filling.
Heavy Cream: For that dreamy creaminess that envelops each stuffed shell in luscious goodness.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs gives an aromatic kick to round out all those delectable flavors.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing mushrooms and garlic; choose extra virgin olive oil for its robust flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells
Cook the Pasta Shells: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the filling.
Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped mushrooms; sauté until mushrooms are tender and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy that heavenly aroma!
Add Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach into the mushroom mixture until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally while watching it transform from bulky leaves to delicate greens.
Create the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sautéed mushrooms and spinach mixture, grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy—like clouds on a sunny day!
Stuff the Shells: Carefully spoon generous portions of the filling into each cooked pasta shell using a small spoon or piping bag. Place them upright in a greased baking dish as if they’re eagerly waiting for their turn in the oven.
Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to let them become beautifully golden on top. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Now sit back as you enjoy every cheesy bite of these heavenly creamy garlic mushroom stuffed shells!
You Must Know
- Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are a crowd-pleaser, rich in flavor and easy to prepare
- The combination of garlic and mushrooms creates an aroma that will have everyone gathering in the kitchen
- Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh herbs for a pop of color!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the garlic and mushrooms while cooking the pasta shells. This ensures everything is hot and fresh when you assemble your dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in spinach or ricotta cheese to enhance the filling. You can also swap out mushrooms for other favorites like spinach or artichokes.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, don’t overcook your pasta shells; they should be al dente
- When filling, use a small spoon for precision and less mess
- Lastly, let the dish sit before serving; it allows flavors to meld beautifully
Cooking these stuffed shells reminds me of family gatherings where everyone brings their favorite dish. I once made this recipe for my cousin’s birthday, and it vanished before my eyes!
FAQ
What type of cheese works best in Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells?
Use ricotta or mozzarella for a creamy texture that melts perfectly.
Can I make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them a day ahead, then bake when ready to serve.
How do I prevent my stuffed shells from sticking together?
Drizzle some olive oil on cooked shells right after draining them to keep them separate.
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy garlic mushroom stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy your cravings. These large pasta shells are generously filled with a rich mixture of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and creamy cheeses, all enveloped in a luscious sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Enjoy the warmth and richness as you indulge in every cheesy bite.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms (mixed button and cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and chopped mushrooms until tender (5-7 minutes).
- Add spinach to mushroom mixture and cook until wilted (2-3 minutes).
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, sautéed mixture, Parmesan, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix until smooth.
- Stuff each shell with the filling and place them upright in a greased baking dish.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes; remove foil for the last 5 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (about 230g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
