When life gives you mushrooms, you make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells. Imagine a plate filled with giant pasta shells cradling a luscious, garlicky mushroom filling, melting in your mouth like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone’s heart flutter—it’s like a love letter from the kitchen that everyone wants to receive.
I remember the first time I made these stuffed shells; my family was gathered for a cozy Sunday dinner. As soon as I pulled them out of the oven, my niece squealed with delight, and my brother pretended he was about to propose to his plate. It was clear we had found our new family favorite! Perfect for gatherings or just an indulgent night in, these shells promise a flavor explosion that will leave you dreaming of seconds. For more inspiration, check out this perfect for lunch recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The creamy garlic mushroom filling is rich and satisfying without being overly heavy
- Assembly is easy and perfect for cooking with kids
- Visually stunning with their golden-brown tops and creamy filling, they will wow your guests
- Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions, these shells fit any menu perfectly
My friends still talk about the night I served these Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells; they couldn’t believe how quickly they disappeared!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: Choose large shells that can hold all that creamy goodness inside; they are the stars of this show.
Fresh Mushrooms: Use a mix of cremini and button mushrooms for depth of flavor; avoid canned mushrooms if possible.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key—nothing beats that aromatic punch when sautéed.
Cream Cheese: This adds richness and creaminess; full-fat version works best for ultimate indulgence.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan elevates the flavor profile significantly—packaging might save time but won’t win hearts.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients while balancing out the dish’s richness.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances flavors during sautéing; it’s like liquid gold in your pan.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all flavors together—don’t skimp on these!
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: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and chopped garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about one minute), then add chopped mushrooms. Cook until softened and golden brown, around 5-7 minutes.
Add Spinach and Seasonings: Toss in fresh spinach and stir until wilted—this takes just a couple of minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor.
Create the Filling: Remove skillet from heat, then incorporate cream cheese and half of the parmesan cheese into the mushroom mixture. Stir until everything is combined into a creamy, dreamy filling.
Stuff the Pasta Shells!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each shell generously with the creamy mushroom mixture. Place them snugly in a greased baking dish.
Add Sauce and Bake : Pour marinara sauce evenly over stuffed shells, then sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese on top. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes before uncovering for an additional 10 minutes until bubbling.
And there you have it! Your very own plate of Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells ready to serve up at dinner time! Enjoy every bite knowing you’ve created something truly delicious! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner recipes recipe.
You Must Know
- Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are a comforting dish that can impress anyone
- The rich flavors and creamy texture create a delightful experience, perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home
- You can easily adapt the filling and sauce to your taste
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you cook the pasta. Sauté the mushrooms and garlic first, then mix them with ricotta before stuffing the shells for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ricotta for goat cheese or add spinach and herbs into the filling for extra nutrition and flavor. A sprinkle of parmesan on top before baking enhances the dish beautifully.
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 heated throughout, maintaining that creamy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly stuffed shells, ensure they are al dente before baking; this prevents mushiness
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an aromatic twist
- Always taste your filling; seasoned well makes all the difference in flavor!
Sometimes, when I make these stuffed shells, my family declares it their favorite dish ever! Their smiles while eating always remind me why I love cooking so much.
FAQ
What can I substitute for ricotta in Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells?
You can use cottage cheese, goat cheese, or cream cheese as alternatives to ricotta.
Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells?
Yes, freeze uncooked stuffed shells layered with sauce; bake directly from frozen when ready.
How long does it take to cook Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells?
Baking typically takes around 25-30 minutes at 375°F until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 (2 stuffed shells per serving) 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are a delightful fusion of flavors, featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich and garlicky mushroom mixture. This comforting dish is baked to perfection, resulting in a bubbly, cheesy topping that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings, these stuffed shells are not just a meal; they’re an experience that will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 8 oz fresh cremini mushrooms, chopped
- 4 oz fresh button mushrooms, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente; drain and let cool.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chopped mushrooms and cook until softened (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in chopped spinach and season with salt and pepper; cook until wilted.
- Remove from heat and mix in cream cheese and half of the parmesan cheese until combined.
- Stuff each pasta shell generously with the mushroom filling. Arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 40mg