Jumbo pasta shells: 20, cooked according to package instructions Recipe
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, and sautéed mushrooms, all baked in a rich Alfredo sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner or entertaining guests, combining creamy textures and robust garlic flavors in every bite.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta Shells
- 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package instructions
Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Topping
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce, divided (1 cup for base and 1 cup for topping)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them carefully and set aside to cool slightly so they are easier to handle during stuffing.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, finely chopped cooked mushrooms, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish to act as a flavorful base and prevent sticking.
- Stuff the Shells: Carefully spoon the mushroom and cheese filling into each cooked pasta shell, filling them generously. Arrange the stuffed shells neatly in a single layer on top of the Alfredo sauce in the baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour the remaining 1 cup of Alfredo sauce over the arranged shells, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the shells to create a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, indicating the dish is ready to serve.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms and sauté them before chopping for a deeper flavor.
- Make sure shells are cooked al dente to prevent over-softening during baking.
- For a richer taste, add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta filling.
- Substitute Alfredo sauce with your favorite white sauce or marinara for variation.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (5 stuffed shells)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: stuffed shells, mushroom stuffed pasta, creamy garlic pasta, baked pasta shells, vegetarian Italian recipe