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Creamy Spinach Shrimp Shells Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 53 reviews

This Creamy Spinach Shrimp Shells recipe combines tender shrimp sautéed to perfection with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and fresh baby spinach, all enveloped in a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Served over perfectly cooked pasta shells, it’s a comforting yet elegant dish that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood & Pasta

  • 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 12 oz pasta shells

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of ½ lemon

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until they are slightly firm to the bite (al dente). Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Sear the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Lower the heat to medium, add the unsalted butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Add the chopped garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook them, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender, about 4 minutes.
  4. Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted but still bright green.
  5. Build the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
  6. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  7. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta shells and seared shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
  8. Finish and Garnish: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the dish to add brightness. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, keeping in mind the sauce will be less rich.
  • Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
  • You can use gluten-free pasta shells to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for melting and flavor.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
  • Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 days.

Keywords: Creamy shrimp pasta, spinach shrimp shells, shrimp with cream sauce, easy shrimp dinner, pasta with shrimp and spinach, Parmesan cream sauce pasta

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/creamy-spinach-shrimp-shells-recipe/