Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells

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This dish is everything you could want from a comforting pasta bake: rich, savory, creamy, and loaded with flavor. Picture tender pasta shells filled with juicy shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach, all coated in a velvety garlic cream sauce that melts into every bite. It’s indulgent yet balanced, making it perfect for a cozy dinner at home or even for entertaining guests.

The combination of shrimp, mushrooms, and spinach gives this dish a beautiful depth of flavor and texture. You’ve got the sweet snap of shrimp, the umami-rich bite of mushrooms, and the soft, slightly bitter freshness of spinach all nestled in a creamy, cheesy shell. It’s luxurious without being fussy and hearty without being heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells Recipe

This recipe is an instant favorite for seafood and pasta lovers alike. It’s easy enough to make on a weeknight, but fancy enough to serve when you want to impress. The sauce alone is reason enough to make it again and again — it’s creamy, garlicky, and coats every shell perfectly. Plus, the filling is a great way to sneak in some greens without sacrificing indulgence.

Everything bakes together beautifully in one dish, making cleanup a breeze and flavors meld together into one bubbling, golden-topped masterpiece. It’s also versatile enough to adapt — swap in your favorite cheese, add a pinch of spice, or use scallops instead of shrimp for a new spin.

What Kind of Pasta Shells Should I Use?

You’ll want to use jumbo pasta shells for this recipe, as they’re perfect for holding the filling and keeping everything in place during baking. These larger shells cradle the shrimp and veggie mixture while soaking up the sauce, creating bite-sized pockets of flavor in every forkful. Look for shells labeled “jumbo” or “conchiglioni” at your grocery store, and cook them just until al dente so they don’t tear when stuffing.

Ingredients for the Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells

The magic of this recipe starts with a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an important role in making the filling creamy, the texture perfect, and the flavor unforgettable. The goal is to strike a balance between the rich creaminess and the fresh bite of vegetables and seafood.

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Shrimp
• Mushrooms
• Fresh spinach
• Garlic
• Shallot
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper

Each ingredient adds depth to the dish. The shrimp bring sweetness and protein, while mushrooms provide earthiness. Spinach adds freshness and color, and the combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan makes the sauce rich and smooth. Mozzarella gives that bubbly golden top that’s irresistible.

How To Make the Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté the shallot and garlic until fragrant, then add the mushrooms and cook until softened. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from heat and roughly chop.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat and add cream cheese and heavy cream to the pan. Stir until smooth, then add Parmesan. Let simmer gently until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine the Filling

In a bowl, combine the sautéed veggies and chopped shrimp. Add a few spoonfuls of the sauce and mix well.

Step 6: Stuff and Assemble

Spoon the shrimp and veggie mixture into each shell and arrange them in a baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella.

Step 7: Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serving and Storing Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells

This dish is best served piping hot, straight from the oven, when the cheese is still melty and the sauce is creamy and rich. Each bite feels like a cozy hug, especially with a piece of warm crusty bread on the side to scoop up every last bit of sauce. It makes an excellent main course and is satisfying enough on its own.

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells can feed around 4 to 6 people depending on portion size. If you’re serving this for guests, it pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine and a fresh green salad.

For leftovers, let the dish cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals to preserve the texture.

What to Serve With Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells?

Crusty Garlic Bread

A must-have for mopping up the creamy sauce. The crispy crust and soft center pair perfectly.

Simple Arugula Salad

The peppery bite of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

Slightly charred asparagus brings a fresh, savory crunch alongside the tender shells.

Tomato Basil Bruschetta

This refreshing appetizer is a bright way to start your meal with juicy tomatoes and fresh basil.

White Wine (like Pinot Grigio)

A light, citrusy white wine complements the creamy shrimp and adds a refreshing note.

Steamed Broccoli with Lemon

This adds fiber and color to your plate and works as a lighter veggie side.

Parmesan Roasted Zucchini

Tender zucchini with crispy edges adds another layer of umami goodness.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tangy carrots can balance the creaminess of the shrimp shells for a satisfying contrast.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If these Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells won your heart, there’s a good chance these other comforting, flavor-packed recipes will too:

• Try the Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a savory, sausage-filled option.
• Looking for something lighter? The Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken is a refreshing change of pace.
• If you’re a fan of shrimp, the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna layers up seafood bliss.
• Love mushrooms? Don’t miss the Creamy Mushroom Ravioli for even more creamy indulgence.
• Or explore a fun twist with Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese if you’re after something handheld and cheesy.

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Conclusion

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells is the kind of recipe that turns any dinner into something worth savoring. The layers of shrimp, veggies, cheese, and velvety sauce come together like a dream. Whether you’re cooking for family, date night, or just treating yourself, this dish promises cozy comfort in every forkful.

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