If you're a fan of creamy pasta dishes, these Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are the perfect treat. The rich, earthy flavors of mushrooms, combined with garlic and cheese, create a delicious filling that’s stuffed into jumbo pasta shells and smothered in a luxurious Alfredo sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is both comforting and satisfying.
INGREDIENTS- Jumbo pasta shells: 20, cooked according to package instructions
- Ricotta cheese: 1 cup, creamy base for the filling
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, for a sharp, nutty flavor
- Cooked mushrooms: 1 cup, finely chopped
- Egg: 1, beaten, to bind the filling
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, for a subtle garlic flavor
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, to season
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, for a touch of spice
- Alfredo sauce: 2 cups, divided (1 cup for the base and 1 cup on top)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1/4 cup, to melt on top
- Step 1:
- Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, cooked mushrooms, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the filling.
- Step 3:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Step 4:
- Generously stuff each pasta shell with the mushroom mixture and place them in the baking dish.
- Step 5:
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top of the shells and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Step 6:
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Leftover shells can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Experiment with different types of mushrooms for a deeper flavor, such as shiitake or portobello.
- For a lighter version, try using half Alfredo sauce and half marinara sauce.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Lidia Bastianich suggests adding a touch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for an extra layer of flavor.