Creamy Garlic Mushroom Shells: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Mushroom Lovers

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Shells are a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic and earthy mushrooms, enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to a cozy Italian trattoria with every bite. The combination of tender pasta shells and a velvety sauce creates a comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.

The history of creamy garlic mushroom dishes can be traced back to rustic Italian kitchens, where simple ingredients were transformed into hearty meals. People love creamy garlic mushroom shells for their incredible taste and satisfying texture. The umami-rich mushrooms paired with the aromatic garlic create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, this dish is incredibly convenient to prepare, making it a favorite among busy home cooks who still want to enjoy a gourmet experience at the dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) large pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 16 oz (450g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms work well)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the large pasta shells to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Preparing the Mushroom Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
5. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for another minute to allow the herbs to release their flavors.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
7. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
8. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and incorporates into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

1. Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce until all the shells are well coated.
2. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth or a splash of pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Allow the pasta to heat through for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serving the Dish

1. Once heated, remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Transfer the creamy garlic mushroom shells to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
4. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your delicious creamy garlic mushroom shells!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Mushroom Shells

• For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of different mushrooms such as shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
• Feel free to add protein to the dish, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed spinach for added nutrition.
• For a vegan version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Variations to Try

• Cheesy Spinach Addition: Add a couple of cups

  Conclusion:

  In summary, these Creamy Garlic Mushroom Shells are a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The rich, velvety sauce combined with the earthy flavors of mushrooms creates a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you serve it as a main course or as a delightful side, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any occasion. For a twist, consider adding some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor and color. You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, to customize the dish to your taste. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal perfectly. We encourage you to try this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Shells recipe and share your experience with friends and family. Your feedback and variations can inspire others to enjoy this delicious dish as well. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and don’t forget to let us know how it turned out! Happy cooking! Print
  

  Creamy Garlic Mushroom Shells: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Mushroom Lovers

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  • Author: Dottie
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

  Print Recipe

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  Description

  Enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy garlic mushroom shells, featuring large pasta shells coated in a rich mushroom sauce. This dish combines earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream, making it a perfect choice for any dinner occasion.

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  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • 12 oz (340g) large pasta shells
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 16 oz (450g) mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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  Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  2. Add the large pasta shells to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  5. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
  6. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  7. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
  8. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for another minute to allow the herbs to release their flavors.
  9. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
  10. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  11. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and incorporates into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  12. Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce until all the shells are well coated.
  13. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth or a splash of pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
  14. Allow the pasta to heat through for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  15. Once heated, remove the skillet from the heat.
  16. Transfer the creamy garlic mushroom shells to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
  17. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
  18. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your delicious creamy garlic mushroom shells!

  Notes

  • For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of different mushrooms such as shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
  • Feel free to add protein to the dish, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed spinach for added nutrition.
  • For a vegan version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes