Description
If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor—Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells is the answer. This easy recipe combines juicy shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and tender spinach, all enveloped in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that clings perfectly to pasta shells. It’s ideal for a cozy dinner or a quick yet elegant weeknight meal. Perfect for lovers of easy dinner, seafood recipes, or anyone searching for quick pasta ideas, this satisfying dish brings gourmet taste without the fuss. A must-have in your dinner ideas rotation.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta shells
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups baby spinach
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely diced (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
¾ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2. In a large non-stick skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned.
3. Lower heat to medium. Add butter, then stir in garlic and optional shallots. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Push mushrooms aside and add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1–2 minutes per side, then remove shrimp and set aside.
5. Pour in heavy cream. Stir gently, then add Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in spinach and cooked pasta shells. Mix until spinach wilts and everything is coated. Use pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
7. Return shrimp to skillet and fold in gently. Warm through for 1–2 minutes.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and extra black pepper.
Notes
Pat shrimp dry before cooking to help them sear properly.
Don’t skip browning the mushrooms—it adds deep umami flavor.
Let the cream come to room temperature before adding to avoid curdling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: creamy shrimp pasta, easy dinner recipe, shrimp shells, comfort food