Creamy Garlic Mushroom Shells

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

These stuffed shells feature a luscious blend of mushrooms, creamy ricotta, and sharp Parmesan, all enveloped in tender pasta. Topped with a blanket of mozzarella and smothered in Alfredo sauce, each shell brings together savory, earthy, and cheesy flavors. The dish bakes until bubbling, creating a golden, irresistible finish. Perfect for a cozy family meal or an impressive table centerpiece, these shells can be garnished with fresh parsley for color or served alongside roasted vegetables for a satisfying plate. Simple to assemble and generously flavorful, this dish celebrates comforting Italian-style cooking at its best.

Ranah
Updated on Sun, 18 May 2025 19:07:39 GMT
A bowl of pasta with mushrooms and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with mushrooms and cheese. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells have become my go-to dish whenever I want something truly comforting yet elegant for my family or guests. The plush ricotta and earthy mushrooms tucked inside tender pasta shells deliver creamy flavor in every bite. A velvety Alfredo sauce ties it all together, making an irresistibly cozy vegetarian main that always earns rave reviews at our table.

Ever since I surprised my parents with these shells on their anniversary, it has been requested for countless celebrations and cozy Sundays. The aroma alone always gets everyone flocking to the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Jumbo pasta shells: You want shells that are unbroken and sturdy so they hold the filling without falling apart Try to pick pasta from a reliable brand for best results
  • Ricotta cheese: Choose whole milk ricotta for maximum creaminess This creates the soft luscious filling
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and nutty flavor Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and packs more taste
  • Cooked mushrooms: I like to chop and sauté a mix of cremini and button mushrooms until deeply browned They deliver earthy body and savory notes
  • Egg: A farm fresh egg binds the filling so it stays intact inside each shell
  • Garlic powder: This packs a mellow depth without overpowering the cheese Always check for freshness in your spice jar
  • Salt: Season both the filling and pasta water with sea salt for the brightest flavor
  • Black pepper: Adds just enough subtle heat Opt for coarsely cracked pepper if you like more bite
  • Alfredo sauce: Go for a creamy jarred version you trust or make it from scratch if you are feeling ambitious It acts as both the sauce base and gooey topping
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: This melts beautifully on top delivering the perfect finish Choose part skim or whole milk based on how stretchy you want it

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta Shells:
Boil your jumbo shells according to the package instructions until just al dente Drain them and lay on a tray to cool so they do not stick together or tear during stuffing
Make the Filling:
Mix together the ricotta Parmesan cooked mushrooms beaten egg garlic powder salt and black pepper in a large bowl Blend thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and mushrooms are evenly distributed
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and get a baking dish ready Spread one cup of Alfredo sauce in an even layer on the bottom to prevent sticking and create a saucy foundation
Stuff and Arrange the Shells:
Use a spoon or small spatula to gently fill each shell with a generous scoop of the creamy mushroom mixture Arrange stuffed shells closely together in the prepared dish so they support each other and hold shape
Top with Sauce and Cheese:
Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the filled shells Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over everything to guarantee a bubbly golden crown when baked
Bake to Perfection:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes to warm through and melt the cheese Remove the foil then bake uncovered another 10 minutes so the top turns golden and just starts to brown
A bowl of pasta with mushrooms and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with mushrooms and cheese. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

That earthy mushroom flavor against the creamy ricotta is what truly elevates this pasta for me I still remember my little nephew grinning ear to ear when he got the first gooey cheesy serving at our holiday table Pure comfort food joy

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days Store in an airtight container and reheat gently in the oven with a little extra sauce to prevent drying out You can freeze assembled unbaked shells for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge cover with sauce and bake as usual

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out the mushrooms for finely chopped spinach or kale for a brighter filling Cottage cheese can stand in for ricotta if you need to Use any creamy white sauce in place of Alfredo if preferred And vegan cheeses and egg alternatives will work for a dairy free version

Serving Suggestions

Serve these luscious shells as a main course with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side A scattering of fresh parsley or basil brightens the final dish For parties set out smaller stuffed shells as an indulgent appetizer platter

A bowl of pasta with mushrooms and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with mushrooms and cheese. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Stuffed pasta has deep Italian roots traditionally called conchiglioni ripieni Ricotta is a classic filling but modern kitchens have turned to vegetables like mushrooms to add heartiness and new flavor layers This dish shows off the blending of old world comfort and new world creativity

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I prevent pasta shells from tearing?

Gently cook the shells until just al dente, drain, and toss them with a splash of oil to prevent sticking and tearing during stuffing.

→ Can I substitute fresh garlic for garlic powder?

Absolutely, minced fresh garlic adds depth and can be sautéed with mushrooms before combining with the filling.

→ What mushrooms work best for the filling?

Cremini or button mushrooms provide excellent flavor and texture, but you can also use a blend for more complexity.

→ How do I make this dish ahead?

Assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them for up to a day. Bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.

→ What sides pair well with these shells?

Roasted vegetables, crisp green salads, or garlic bread make delightful accompaniments to balance richness.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Shells

Cheesy pasta shells filled with mushrooms, ricotta, and Alfredo, finished golden and bubbling in the oven.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (20 stuffed pasta shells)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Filling

01 1 cup ricotta cheese, smooth and creamy
02 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
03 1 cup cooked mushrooms, finely chopped
04 1 large egg, beaten
05 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Shells and Assembly

08 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
09 2 cups Alfredo sauce, divided
10 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Cook jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped cooked mushrooms, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.

Step 03

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Spread 1 cup of Alfredo sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish.

Step 04

Generously stuff each pasta shell with mushroom filling and place them, open side up, into the prepared baking dish.

Step 05

Pour remaining 1 cup Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 06

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and golden.

Notes

  1. For extra flavor, garnish stuffed shells with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Pot for cooking pasta

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy, egg, and wheat (gluten).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 465
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 49 g
  • Protein: 19 g