If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist, these Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells are it. Imagine tender pasta shells filled with a creamy, garlicky mushroom and cheese mixture, smothered in a velvety béchamel sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s elegant enough for entertaining and simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Mushrooms add a hearty, meaty texture that makes this dish super satisfying—even without meat. This recipe is also great for vegetarians and perfect for anyone who loves creamy pasta with deep umami flavors.

---

🍽 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Shells:

• 250 g jumbo pasta shells
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Creamy Mushroom Filling:

• 2 tablespoon olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15 g)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (12 g)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (100 g)
• 400 g cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (2 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (2 g)
• 250 g ricotta cheese
• 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (50 g), lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter (30 g)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (9 g)
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour (16 g)
• 400 ml whole milk
• 100 ml heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese

---

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook 2 minutes less than the package instructions (usually about 10 minutes total), so they remain firm.
3. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.

---

Step 2: Make the Mushroom Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 7–10 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the mushroom mixture with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley (if using). Mix well.

---

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the nutmeg, Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

---

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Pour about half of the garlic cream sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Fill each cooked pasta shell with 1–2 tablespoons of the mushroom filling and place it in the dish.
4. Once all shells are filled, pour the remaining sauce over the top.
5. Sprinkle with additional mozzarella or Parmesan if desired.

---

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
3. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

---

🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 35 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg

---

💡 Tips & Tricks

• Chop mushrooms finely for a more cohesive filling texture and flavor distribution.
• Don’t overcook the shells or they’ll tear when filling. Slightly undercooked is better.
• Want a lighter version? Use low-fat ricotta and milk.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the dish the night before, refrigerate, and bake the next day.
• Add chopped spinach or zucchini for extra veggies and flavor.

---

👩‍🍳 From My Kitchen – Flavor Boost

To elevate this dish, add a pinch of truffle salt or a drizzle of truffle oil to the filling or sauce. It pairs beautifully with the mushrooms and takes the flavor to a restaurant-quality level. For extra richness, layer a few sun-dried tomatoes in with the shells before baking.

---

❤️ Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Shells

• Rich, creamy, and cheesy—everything you want in a baked pasta dish.
• Packed with umami flavor from the mushrooms and garlic.
• A perfect vegetarian main course for family meals or entertaining.
• Can be made ahead of time and freezes well.
• Easily customizable with different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables.