Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells is a comforting and elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With tender pasta, juicy shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach wrapped in a velvety garlic cream sauce, it’s a one-skillet meal that’s ideal for both weeknights and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and satisfying: Creamy sauce meets succulent shrimp and hearty vegetables.
Balanced and flavorful: Bright lemon juice and Parmesan balance the richness perfectly.
One-pan convenience: Fewer dishes without sacrificing depth of flavor.
Fast and fresh: Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz shell pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
3 cups baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook shell pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the shrimp: Season shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Sauté garlic and mushrooms: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add garlic and mushrooms. Cook for 3–4 minutes until mushrooms are tender and lightly browned.
Add spinach and liquids: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Add heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Finish the sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add lemon juice, if using, for a fresh finish.
Combine and serve: Return cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything to coat well in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne with the garlic.
Use a different pasta: Penne, farfalle, or fettuccine work well.
Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Add white wine: Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup white wine before adding the broth for extra depth.
Protein swap: Substitute chicken or scallops for shrimp, if preferred.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
Freezing: Not recommended due to cream and seafood combination, which may separate or toughen after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What type of mushrooms work best?

White button, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms all work well.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prep components ahead, but assemble and serve fresh for the best texture.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Simmer a few extra minutes or add a spoonful of grated cheese or a cornstarch slurry.

Can I omit the spinach?

Yes. You can skip it or substitute with kale or arugula.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth and cheese are gluten-free.

What side dishes go well with this?

A simple green salad or garlic bread complements the richness of the pasta.

Can I make it lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce Parmesan to taste.

What’s the best pasta shape?

Shells are ideal for catching sauce, but rotini, orecchiette, or bowties also work well.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes. Try sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, or asparagus for variety.

Conclusion

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells is a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve guests. Its rich, garlicky cream sauce clings to every bite of pasta and shrimp, delivering comfort and flavor in every forkful. Add your own twist or keep it classic—either way, this recipe is sure to impress.

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells

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Author: Douaa
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells recipe is a one-skillet wonder packed with juicy shrimp, tender shell pasta, earthy mushrooms, and baby spinach in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. A fast, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions!

Instructions

Cook shell pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Sauté garlic and mushrooms for 3–4 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce is smooth.
Return shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
Add lemon juice if using, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Substitute chicken or scallops for shrimp if desired.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American