Discover a comforting blend of flavors in this Creamy Spinach Shrimp Shells dish, where tender shrimp and fresh spinach merge perfectly in a luxuriously smooth sauce. The shell pasta serves as charming little vessels, capturing every bit of the rich cream and Parmesan cheese, making each bite satisfyingly indulgent.
This delightful pasta is perfect for those evenings when you crave a meal that feels both elegant and homey. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delightful dinner that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Combines succulent shrimp with vibrant spinach in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Shell pasta shapes hold the sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Quick to prepare yet feels decadent and satisfying for any dinner occasion.
- Flexible recipe allows optional spice and garnish adjustments to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- Shell pasta (350–400 g / ≈ 12–14 oz): Medium-sized shell pasta perfect for capturing creamy sauces and ingredients.
- Butter or olive oil (2–3 tbsp): Used for sautéing shrimp and aromatics, adding rich flavor and moisture.
- Shrimp (450 g / ≈ 1 lb), peeled and deveined: Tender and juicy shrimp that bring a subtle sweetness and protein to the dish.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance the flavors throughout.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and depth when sautéed until translucent.
- Garlic cloves (3–4), minced: Provides a fragrant, savory underpinning that complements shrimp and spinach.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Brings a fresh, slightly earthy flavor and vibrant green color to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (1½–2 cups): Creates the silky, rich base for the sauce binding the ingredients together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty finish with creamy consistency.
- Red pepper flakes (optional, pinch): Adds a subtle heat to balance the richness if desired.
- Chopped parsley or basil (optional garnish): Fresh herbs to brighten the presentation and add herbal notes.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the shell pasta and cook following package directions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Cooking pasta properly ensures a tender bite that holds form without becoming mushy. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if needed for later sauce adjustment.
- Sauté the Shrimp
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Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, signaling they are perfectly cooked and juicy. Remove shrimp from pan to prevent overcooking and set aside for later combination.
- Cook Aromatics
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In the same skillet, add more butter or oil if necessary. Sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent and soft, roughly 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, releasing their fragrant and savory aroma that builds the flavor base for the sauce.
- Wilt the Spinach
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Add fresh spinach to the skillet with onions and garlic. Cook just until wilted, about 1–2 minutes, to maintain its vibrant color and fresh taste. This step enhances the sauce with wholesome greens while melding well with creamy textures.
- Make the Cream Sauce
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Pour heavy cream into the skillet and gently warm it through on medium-low heat. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and luscious. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a slightly spicy kick, balancing the richness.
- Combine & Serve
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Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything gently to ensure every shell is evenly coated with the creamy sauce, spinach, and shrimp. This final step melds all flavors beautifully for a harmonious dish ready to enjoy.
- Finish
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Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and fresh aroma. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
- You can adjust cream quantity to achieve your preferred sauce thickness—less for lighter, more for richer.
- Adding mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or peas can enhance texture and flavor diversity.
- Extra Parmesan served at the table offers a delicious option for cheese lovers.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a crisp, refreshing green salad.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to restore sauciness without drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with crusty garlic bread to soak up extra sauce and a simple mixed green salad for a refreshing contrast. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the creamy shrimp flavors beautifully.
- Use shell pasta as its concave shape captures sauce and shrimp pieces perfectly.
- Cook shrimp just until opaque to avoid rubbery texture, ensuring a tender bite.
- Toss pasta and sauce off heat to prevent cream from breaking or curdling.
- Fresh grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-grated for a silky sauce.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
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Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
- Can I substitute pasta shapes?
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Absolutely! Any small pasta like penne or fusilli works well if shells are unavailable.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream?
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Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream can be used, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
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To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free shell pasta and confirm any other ingredients are gluten-free.
- How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
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Just a pinch offers a gentle warmth, which is optional and easily adjusted to taste.
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead?
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You can prep shrimp and sautéed spinach early, but combine and finish with cream sauce just before serving.
- What sides go well with this creamy pasta?
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Light salads, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread pair wonderfully to balance the creaminess.
Creamy Spinach Shrimp Shells
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 large skillet for cooking shrimp and sauce
- 1 colander for draining pasta
Ingredients
- 12 to 14 oz shell pasta
- 2 to 3 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1.5 to 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook shell pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; season shrimp with salt and pepper and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Add more butter or oil to the skillet if needed; sauté chopped onion until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add fresh spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Pour in heavy cream and warm through, then stir in grated Parmesan until smooth and melted. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Return shrimp to skillet and add drained pasta, tossing gently to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, garnish with chopped parsley or basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust cream amount for desired sauce thickness.
- Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or peas for extra veggies.
- Extra Parmesan on the table boosts flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
