Description
Delight in these Indulgent Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells, a rich and flavorful pasta dish combining tender shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels gourmet.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta shells
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes until they turn golden brown and release their flavorful moisture.
- Add Garlic and Spinach: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes, combining it well with the mushrooms.
- Cook the Shrimp: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and place the shrimp in a single layer on the other side. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the creamy shrimp and vegetable sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly and allow it to soak in the flavors over low heat for a minute just before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp thawed properly will also work well.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and enhances the sauce compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste based on your preferred level of spiciness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy dairy alternative.
