Description
This creamy spinach mushroom shrimp shells recipe is an irresistible, restaurant-worthy meal you can whip up in under 40 minutes. Tender shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach come together in a luscious parmesan cream sauce, all tucked into shell pasta that cradles every bit of flavor. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, seafood recipes, or a comforting meal that’s still elegant, this dish checks every box. Perfect for a cozy night in, a quick but impressive dinner party main, or when you’re craving a decadent yet easy recipe loaded with flavor.
Ingredients
8 oz medium pasta shells
1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cups baby spinach
8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear shrimp 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese and let sauce thicken for 3–4 minutes. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
6. Return cooked pasta and shrimp to the pan. Toss gently to coat in the sauce and heat through.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Grate your own parmesan for the best melt and flavor—pre-grated versions don’t blend as well.
If using frozen shrimp, fully thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.
Don’t skip saving pasta water—it’s a great way to adjust sauce consistency without losing flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 565
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, shrimp recipe, mushroom pasta, comfort food, quick seafood dinner