Print

Mushroom Stuffed Pasta Shells

Mushroom Stuffed Pasta Shells
Print Recipe

Mushroom Stuffed Pasta Shells offer a cozy, comforting, and elegant meal that’s rich in creamy cheeses and earthy mushrooms. This vegetarian-friendly dish is easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • Jumbo dried pasta shells (about 20 shells)

Filling

  • 2 cups fresh mushrooms (cremini or button), finely chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside on a tray to cool so they’re easy to handle when stuffing.
  2. Sauté the mushrooms and aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Toss in the chopped mushrooms, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
  3. Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom mixture with ricotta, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh herbs. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, stirring until you have a creamy, flavorful filling ready to stuff the shells.
  4. Stuff the shells: Carefully spoon the mushroom filling into each cooked pasta shell, filling generously but without overstuffing. Place the filled shells in a baking dish lined with a layer of marinara sauce to keep them moist during baking.
  5. Bake and serve: Generously spread marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite!

Notes

  • Choose dry pasta shells to ensure they hold the filling well.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; slightly undercooked shells will finish cooking in the oven and remain firm.
  • Sauté mushrooms over medium-high heat to achieve good caramelization and enhanced flavor.
  • Taste the mushroom filling and adjust seasoning with salt as needed to prevent blandness.
  • Let the baked shells rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and easier serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: mushroom stuffed shells, vegetarian pasta, baked pasta shells, ricotta mushroom stuffing, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/mushroom-stuffed-pasta-shells/