Description
These Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are the ultimate vegetarian comfort food—rich, savory, and packed with flavor. Filled with a velvety mushroom and cheese mixture, baked in a garlicky Parmesan sauce, and perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20–25 jumbo pasta shells (about 8 oz)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cups finely chopped mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: splash of cream or cream cheese for richness
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells until just al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Add mushrooms, salt, pepper, and thyme. Sauté until mushrooms are browned and moisture has evaporated, about 8–10 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes more. Let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine mushrooms, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and any optional spices. Mix well.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook 1 more minute. Gradually whisk in milk and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread a layer of sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Stuff shells with mushroom filling and place in dish. Pour remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle extra cheese if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Don’t overstuff shells. Use a piping bag for easy filling. Make-ahead and freezer-friendly. Use gluten-free shells or plant-based cheese for dietary adjustments.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
Keywords: stuffed shells, mushrooms, garlic, creamy pasta, vegetarian dinner