Description

This Indulgent Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells recipe is a flavorful and comforting pasta dish featuring tender shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh spinach all tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner, this recipe combines savory, earthy, and slightly spicy notes to create a delightful meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta & Protein

12 oz pasta shells (medium to large size)
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium to large)

Vegetables & Herbs

2 cups fresh spinach
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mix)
3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Fats

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half as a lighter option)
0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (freshly grated preferred)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter

Seasonings

1 tsp Italian seasoning
0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Spinach and Seasonings: Add 2 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted. Then, stir in 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
Create Creamy Sauce: Pour 1 cup heavy cream into the skillet, bring to a gentle simmer, and let it thicken slightly for 3-4 minutes. Stir in 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. Finally, add the cooked pasta shells, mix well, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese prevents clumping and enhances sauce smoothness compared to pre-grated.
You can swap olive oil and butter to adjust richness or use all butter for a richer flavor.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat according to your preference.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.