Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells

The thrill of discovering a delicious meal can transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary one. Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells have a special way of evoking comfort. I remember the first time I made this dish; it filled my kitchen with an irresistible aroma. The combination of sautéed mushrooms, creamy cheeses, and perfectly pasta creates a memorable culinary experience.

Each shell becomes a cozy pocket of flavor, inviting you to savor every bite. The rich textures and harmonious blend of garlic and mushrooms bring a delightful warmth to the table. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes the soul, encouraging gatherings filled with laughter and love.

Cooking, especially dishes like these stuffed shells, goes beyond mere feeding; it brings joy and connection, whether shared with family or friends. The appealing layers of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese melted generously on top create a beautifully inviting meal. Let’s dive into making these creamy garlic mushroom stuffed shells that promise to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells

Fundamentals

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells offer a delightful blend of flavors that come together beautifully. Understanding the essentials of this dish helps create the best experience. Jumbo pasta shells serve as the perfect vessel to hold a cheesy mushroom filling. Their size allows for generous portions, ensuring every bite remains creamy and satisfying.

Mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that complements the richness of the cheeses. The addition of garlic amps up the taste profile, providing a fragrant boost that lingers on the palate. Each ingredient contributes to a balanced and comforting dish, making this stuffed shells recipe suitable for various occasions.

Preparation/setup

To set the stage, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). The right temperature ensures even cooking and the perfect molten cheese topping. While the oven warms, prepare the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Cooking them until they reach al dente ensures they hold their shape and texture once stuffed.

Once you’ve cooked and drained the pasta shells, focus on creating the delicious filling. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped mushrooms, and sauté them until the mushrooms become tender and the liquid evaporates. This step enhances the flavor of the mushrooms and develops a rich base for the stuffing.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your creamy garlic mushroom stuffed shells:

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Fresh mushrooms, chopped
• Minced garlic
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning

These components blend to create a luscious filling and cheesy topping that makes every bite memorable.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms are tender and liquid has evaporated.
4. In a bowl, mix the sautéed mushrooms with cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Stuff each pasta shell with the mushroom filling.
6. In a baking dish, spread some marinara sauce at the bottom, then place the stuffed shells on top.
7. Cover the shells with more marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy garlic mushroom stuffed shells!

Vegan Stuffed Shells with Mushroom Filling

Technique

Crafting the perfect stuffed shells requires a bit of technique. You may want to ensure the mushrooms are cooked thoroughly, which prevents excess moisture in the filling. Sautéing them until any released liquid evaporates creates a richer flavor without compromising the texture of the dish.

The blending of the cream cheese and sour cream should be smooth, ensuring even distribution when stuffing the shells. A fork works well to mash and combine these ingredients, creating a luscious and easy-to-fill mixture. Stuff each shell generously, leaving room to expand while baking.

Tips/tricks

A few tips can elevate your stuffed shells experience. First, consider experimenting with different mushroom varieties for unique flavors. Cremini or shiitake mushrooms will add depth and complexity.

Don’t be afraid to play with seasonings. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a gentle heat, creating an unexpected but delightful flavor contrast. Additionally, try mixing the cheeses; adding ricotta to the filling can enhance creaminess, making each bite unforgettable.

Perfecting Results

Troubleshooting/variations

If your stuffed shells turn out too dry, it’s likely due to insufficient sauce. Ensure you layer enough marinara at the bottom of your baking dish and generously cover the top before adding mozzarella. On the other hand, if your filling becomes too runny, you might want to cut back on the liquid ingredients slightly next time.

You can easily make variations of the filling. Consider adding spinach or other vegetables for additional color and nutrients. For those who prefer a meatier touch, sautéed ground chicken or turkey can complement the mushroom filling beautifully.

Serving/presentation

Pairings/storage

Serving creamy garlic mushroom stuffed shells is as gratifying as making them. Arrange the stuffed shells on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese for visual appeal. This dish pairs beautifully with side salads or garlic bread, offering contrasting textures and flavors to round out the meal.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and comforting meal. You can freeze uncooked stuffed shells for future use as well—just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly when cooking from frozen.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells embody the essence of comfort food, transforming any meal into a delightful occasion. Preparing these shells not only warms the heart but also creates a nourishing and flavorful experience for family and friends. Enjoy the process and the delicious results with those you cherish most.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Deliciously creamy and cheesy pasta shells stuffed with sautéed mushrooms and savory garlic, perfect for comfort food lovers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 Jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups Fresh mushrooms, chopped
• 2 cloves Minced garlic
• 8 oz Cream cheese
• 1 cup Sour cream
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms are tender and liquid has evaporated.
4. In a bowl, mix the sautéed mushrooms with cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Stuff each pasta shell with the mushroom filling.
6. In a baking dish, spread some marinara sauce at the bottom, then place the stuffed shells on top.
7. Cover the shells with more marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy garlic mushroom stuffed shells!

Notes

For extra flavor, try mixing in other cheeses or adding spinach for added nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: stuffed shells, creamy pasta, mushroom dish, Italian recipe, comfort food