Creamy Spinach Shrimp Shells
A creamy pasta dish featuring tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and shell pasta, delivering a rich and flavorful meal perfect for cozy dinners.
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.