Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe

Looking for a rich, creamy, and ultra-satisfying weeknight dinner? These Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are everything you crave — loaded with savory garlic-sautéed mushrooms, tucked into jumbo pasta shells, and smothered in a velvety cream sauce. It’s a vegetarian-friendly dish that feels indulgent, yet comes together with simple ingredients and minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just want to treat yourself, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells

There’s so much to love about this dish, it might just become your new favorite comfort meal! First off, it’s super creamy without being heavy, thanks to a luscious garlic-infused sauce. The mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with tender pasta shells. Plus, this recipe is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve guests. It’s also fully vegetarian and can be adapted to suit different diets. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy dinner or meal planning for the week, these stuffed shells reheat beautifully and taste just as good the next day!

Ingredients

These Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are made with easy-to-find ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this delicious dish to life:

You’ll Need:

• 20–25 jumbo pasta shells (cook a few extra in case some tear)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini, button, or a mix)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional but delicious!)

Instructions

This dish might look fancy, but the steps are super simple and totally doable—even on a weeknight! Here’s how to make your Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells from scratch:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside on a towel to prevent sticking.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown (about 6–8 minutes). Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat.
4. Mix the Filling:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked mushroom mixture with ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and parsley (if using). Stir until well blended.
5. Make the Sauce:
   In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth. Let it simmer and thicken for 3–5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Remove from heat.
6. Assemble the Dish:
   Pour a layer of the creamy sauce into the bottom of your baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the mushroom mixture and nestle them into the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra mozzarella.
7. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
8. Serve:
   Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired!

Servings and Timing

This recipe is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd—or for stocking up on delicious leftovers. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish fits the bill!

Servings:

• Makes about 4–6 servings, depending on portion size
• Great as a main course with a side salad or garlic bread

Timing:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~55 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some fun ways to mix it up, along with a few handy tips to make prep even easier!

Variations:

• Add Spinach: Stir in a cup of chopped spinach to the mushroom filling for extra greens.
• Make It Vegan: Use dairy-free ricotta, vegan cheese, and plant-based milk/cream for a fully vegan version.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled Italian sausage to the filling.
• Switch the Sauce: Swap the white sauce for a tomato-based marinara if you want a lighter, tangy twist.

Tips:

• Cook a few extra shells: Some may tear during boiling—extras save the day!
• Prep Ahead: You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
• Use a piping bag or zip-top bag: Snip the corner to easily stuff the shells with less mess.

Storage

One of the best things about Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells? They make amazing leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat them so you can enjoy every last bite.

How to Store:

• Refrigerator:
  Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  Reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Freezer:
  You can freeze the assembled (unbaked) dish or individual portions. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
  To bake from frozen: add 15–20 minutes to baking time, keeping it covered for the first half.

FAQs

There you have it—Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells that are cozy, comforting, and packed with rich, savory flavor! Whether you’re a mushroom lover, pasta fanatic, or just need a delicious vegetarian dinner idea, this recipe totally delivers. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, fancy enough for guests, and perfect for meal prep.

Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!

You Might Also Like These Recipe

• It’s also easy to serve with your favorite comfort-food sides, like these crispy and savory Parmesan Garlic Potatoes that are always a hit.

• Looking to round out the meal with some extra protein? These Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce offer a fresh and creamy pairing that complements the richness of the stuffed shells.

• Want the perfect side dish? Try this soft and savory Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread—it’s amazing for soaking up all that creamy sauce!

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe

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These Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are the ultimate cozy weeknight dinner—rich, cheesy, and packed with savory garlic-sautéed mushrooms, all nestled in jumbo shells and bathed in a velvety cream sauce.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20–25 jumbo pasta shells (cook a few extra in case some tear)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini, button, or a mix)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
• Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
2. Boil jumbo shells until al dente, drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté mushrooms until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
5. In a bowl, mix mushroom mixture with ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and parsley (if using).
6. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
7. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly until thickened (3–5 minutes).
8. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using); remove from heat.
9. Pour a layer of sauce into the baking dish. Stuff each shell with the mushroom mixture and arrange in the dish.
10. Top with remaining sauce and extra mozzarella.
11. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more, until golden and bubbly.
12. Let cool slightly and garnish with parsley or Parmesan before serving.

Notes

To make ahead, assemble the shells and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This dish is also freezer-friendly!

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 4–5 shells)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: stuffed shells, creamy garlic mushrooms, vegetarian pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food