Description
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells is a dish that will wow your taste buds and leave you craving more. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 12 ounce mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Shells: Start by boiling the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until they are al dente. Drain the shells and rinse them with cool water to stop the cooking process.
2. Cook the Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then, stir in the finely chopped mushrooms and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the mushrooms are softened and lightly browned. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom mixture with the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well-incorporated.
4. Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the heavy cream and whole milk. Simmer the sauce for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly. Then, stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
5. Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread a small amount of the cream sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the mushroom and cheese mixture, then arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish. Pour the remaining cream sauce over the top of the shells, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Finally, garnish the Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the dish warm, and get ready for your taste buds to be transported to a culinary paradise!
Notes
To really make this dish shine, here are a few tips and tricks:
Sauté the Mushrooms Properly: Take the time to sauté the mushrooms until they are nicely browned. This will intensify their flavor and create a more complex filling.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a little more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, you can omit them altogether for a milder dish.
Try Different Cheeses: While the combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan is delightful, you can also experiment with other cheeses, such as provolone or goat cheese, to create unique variations.
Pair with Complementary Sides: Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells pair beautifully with fresh salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 shells
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 500 milligrams
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams