If you’re craving a hearty yet elegant pasta dish that delivers restaurant-style comfort at home, Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells might be your new go-to recipe. This dish brings together tender shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a rich cream sauce, all tucked into pasta shells for an irresistible flavor experience.
Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, date nights, or special gatherings, this recipe is both satisfying and simple to prepare. It combines the richness of Alfredo-style creaminess with the freshness of greens and seafood for a balanced, crave-worthy dish.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4 people.
For the Filling
- One tablespoon olive oil
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- Eight ounces shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- One cup mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini)
- Two cups baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- Two tablespoons butter
- One and a half cups heavy cream
- Three fourths cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Half teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
For the Pasta
- Twelve to sixteen large pasta shells
- Salt for pasta water
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside on a towel to dry slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped shrimp and cook for two to three minutes until just pink.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for another three minutes, allowing moisture to evaporate.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about one to two minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add garlic powder.
- Pour in the cream and simmer for three to four minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Assemble the Shells
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spoon the shrimp-spinach-mushroom mixture into each pasta shell.
- Arrange stuffed shells in a baking dish.
- Pour the cream sauce evenly over the shells.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional five minutes to slightly brown the top.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or extra Parmesan before serving.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Serve with chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay for a complementary match.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 of 4) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 |
| Protein | 29 grams |
| Total Fat | 34 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 17 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 36 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugars | 3 grams |
| Sodium | 590 milligrams |
Key Benefits:
- Shrimp is a lean, low-calorie protein source rich in selenium and B vitamins.
- Spinach contributes iron, calcium, and fiber, enhancing the nutritional value of the dish.
- Mushrooms add earthy flavor and contain antioxidants and potassium.
- Parmesan and cream offer richness and satiety in smaller portions.
Chef’s Tips for Best Results
- Do not overcook shrimp, as they can turn rubbery. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn opaque.
- Let the cream sauce simmer gently — overheating can cause separation.
- For added flavor, stir a spoonful of pesto or sun-dried tomato paste into the sauce.
- To lighten the dish, replace some cream with whole milk or a splash of chicken broth.
Variations to Try
- Substitute shrimp with crab meat or cooked chicken for a different protein.
- Use ricotta in the filling for a more traditional stuffed shell texture.
- Add artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for an extra Mediterranean flair.
- Make it spicy with cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños stirred into the filling.
Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells offer a cozy, elegant twist on seafood pasta, blending rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. This dish is easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for entertaining — and it’s packed with textures and nutrients that satisfy.