Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something unforgettable. The combination of rich, garlicky cream sauce, tender shrimp, savory mushrooms, and wilted spinach tucked into pasta shells makes every bite luxurious and comforting. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.

What makes this recipe truly shine is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing any flavor. In under an hour, you can have a meal that looks and tastes like it came from a fine restaurant. And because it uses a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, it’s easy to pull together even on a busy weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells

This dish brings together a balanced mix of textures and flavors: the juicy shrimp pairs perfectly with the earthy mushrooms and creamy sauce, while the pasta shells provide the perfect vessel to capture all that goodness. If you’re a fan of creamy seafood pasta, this version adds a pop of green and a mellow mushroom depth that makes it stand out.

It’s also incredibly flexible. You can use frozen shrimp, baby spinach, or even sub in your favorite mushrooms. And if you’re cooking for a crowd, this is a wonderful make-ahead option that reheats beautifully.

What Kind of Pasta Shells Should I Use?

Jumbo pasta shells are the star here because they hold the creamy filling so well. Look for large shells labeled “conchiglioni” at the store. If you can’t find them, you can swap in manicotti or cannelloni tubes and still get a similar stuffed-pasta experience. The key is using a pasta shape with enough room to tuck in the shrimp, spinach, and mushroom mixture so that every bite is satisfying and full of flavor.

Ingredients for the Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells

The ingredients in this dish work together to create layers of flavor, texture, and richness. Each one plays a vital role in achieving that luscious, creamy finish you crave in a stuffed pasta dish.

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Fresh spinach
• Mushrooms (sliced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Cream cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning

How To Make the Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly. This makes them easier to handle when stuffing later.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Spinach

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Using the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the shrimp with minced garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and add heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Add the sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and shrimp back into the sauce.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully spoon the creamy mixture into each pasta shell and place them into a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes to slightly brown the tops. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if you like.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Don’t rush the pasta. Undercooked shells won’t be pliable enough to stuff, while overcooked ones will tear apart when you try to fill them. Aim for that perfect al dente texture so they hold their shape.

Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. They cook fast and will become rubbery if left on the heat too long. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.

Don’t skip draining moisture from the spinach and mushrooms. Excess water can thin out your cream sauce and leave the dish watery instead of rich and creamy.

Taste your sauce before assembling. The balance of salt, cheese, and seasoning is key. Adjust to your preference while the sauce is still warm in the pan.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells

This dish makes a beautiful centerpiece for a cozy dinner and comfortably feeds 4 to 6 people. Pair it with a fresh green salad or some warm garlic bread to round out the meal.

For storing, let the shells cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. The creamy texture holds up better with gentle reheating rather than blasting them too hot too fast.

What to Serve With Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells?

Fresh Arugula Salad

The peppery bite of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette is a refreshing counter to the rich cream sauce.

Garlic Bread

Golden, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Roasted Asparagus

Oven-roasted asparagus adds both color and a touch of crunch to the meal.

Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add a bright, zesty flavor contrast.

Sauteed Zucchini

Lightly seasoned and pan-cooked zucchini rounds out the dish with mellow veggie sweetness.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing is always a winning side.

White Wine

A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc elevates the entire experience with its crisp acidity.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love these creamy shrimp shells, here are more rich, satisfying dishes to keep your pasta nights exciting:

• Try this flavor-packed Marry Me Chicken Pasta for another creamy delight.
• This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is savory, herby, and packed with protein.
• Love cheesy comfort food? Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts bring the same indulgent energy.
• For a seafood twist, don’t miss the Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque.
• You might also enjoy the Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for another dreamy pasta option.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra cheese or try a different type of mushroom? Did you sneak in a splash of white wine to the sauce?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. If you have questions or tips to share, drop them below so we can cook smarter together.

Explore beautifully curated pasta and seafood recipes on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next obsession!

Conclusion

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells delivers restaurant-style comfort food right from your kitchen. With tender shrimp, rich sauce, and just the right mix of vegetables, this dish feels elegant but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s a weeknight indulgence or part of your weekend dinner rotation, this one is a keeper. Don’t forget to bookmark or pin it – you’ll be craving it again soon!

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?