Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these creamy spinach mushroom shrimp shells! They are seriously a game changer when it comes to weeknight dinners. Imagine tender pasta shells, perfectly stuffed with a rich and flavorful mixture of shrimp, fresh spinach, and earthy mushrooms nestled in a heavenly creamy sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma wafting through my kitchen had my family rushing to the table, and the best part? It’s so easy to whip up! Honestly, you can have this on the table in under an hour, which makes it perfect for those busy evenings when you still want something special. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your home, too!
Ingredients List
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells
Prepping the Pasta
First things first, let’s get those pasta shells ready! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and then add the 12 large pasta shells. You’ll want to cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until they’re al dente. Trust me, you don’t want them too soft since they’ll be holding all that delicious filling later! Once they’re cooked, drain them gently and set them aside to cool slightly. I like to lay them out on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.
Sautéing the Filling
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—wow, that smell is amazing! Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re nice and soft. Then, it’s time to add the shrimp! Cook those little beauties until they turn pink, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it’s just wilted. This whole process should take around 10 minutes, and you’ll be left with a colorful and flavorful filling!
Combining Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Give it a good stir until it’s creamy and smooth. Now, take that sautéed shrimp and vegetable mixture and fold it into the ricotta mixture. You want everything to be well combined but still have some texture—so don’t overmix! This filling should be rich and creamy, with all those wonderful flavors mingling together.
Stuffing the Shells
Now comes the fun part—stuffing the shells! Take a spoonful of the filling and gently stuff each pasta shell. I usually aim for about 2 tablespoons of filling per shell, but feel free to adjust based on your preference. Place the filled shells seam-side up in a greased baking dish. Don’t worry if some of the filling spills out; it’ll just add to the deliciousness when baked!
Baking the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you’re stuffing the shells. Once they’re all in the baking dish, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This will create that lovely gooey, bubbly layer we all crave! Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges start to get a golden color. Ah, just wait until you see it—it’s a sight to behold!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! You can use both fresh and frozen shrimp for this creamy spinach mushroom shrimp shells recipe. If you’re using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. A quick way to do this is to place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re thawed, you can follow the same sautéing steps, and you’ll still end up with that lovely flavor!
What cheese can I substitute?
If you don’t have ricotta or mozzarella on hand, don’t worry! For ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a different texture—just blend it well to make it smooth. As for mozzarella, you could substitute it with provolone or gouda for a slightly different flavor profile. Each cheese brings its unique taste, so feel free to experiment!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the creamy spinach mushroom shrimp shells cool down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them if you’re in a hurry. Just make sure to cover them to keep them moist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of shrimp, spinach, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the shrimp and nutrients from the spinach, it’s a satisfying yet healthy meal.
- Impressive Presentation: Stuffed pasta shells look gorgeous on the plate, making it a great dish for entertaining guests or special occasions.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite ingredients or cheeses to make it your own!
- Leftover Friendly: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy the deliciousness for days to come.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your creamy spinach mushroom shrimp shells turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate this dish:
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! I always taste my filling before stuffing the shells to make sure it’s packed with flavor. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick if you like a bit of heat.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember, you want your pasta shells to be al dente. They’ll continue to cook a bit during baking, so if they’re too soft, they’ll fall apart when you stuff them.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh spinach and shrimp. The freshness really shines through in the final dish and makes all the difference!
- Experiment with Cheeses: If you want to get creative, try mixing in some grated Parmesan with the ricotta for an extra burst of flavor. Trust me, it’s divine!
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit, making it easier to serve without making a mess.
- Pair It Up: Think about serving these shells with a light side salad or some garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce. It makes for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Just remember, cooking is all about having fun and making it your own. Enjoy the process, and your delicious creamy spinach mushroom shrimp shells will be a hit!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into each serving of these creamy spinach mushroom shrimp shells! Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, but this should give you a solid idea of the delicious and nutritious meal you’re indulging in. Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to something both satisfying and wholesome!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal even more delightful, here are some fantastic side dishes that pair perfectly with creamy spinach mushroom shrimp shells:
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is always a hit! It’s perfect for mopping up that creamy sauce.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try some seasonal roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini for a colorful and healthy addition.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli not only looks great on the plate but also adds some lovely crunch and nutrition.
- Herbed Quinoa: For a gluten-free option, serve your shells with a side of fluffy herbed quinoa. It’s a nutritious and flavorful choice!
Feel free to mix and match these sides to create your perfect dinner spread. Enjoy!
For more information on the health benefits of shrimp, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional benefits of spinach, visit Medical News Today.
Print
Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells in 30 Minutes!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy spinach mushroom shrimp shells are a delightful pasta dish featuring large shells filled with a rich and flavorful mixture of shrimp, spinach, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup spinach, fresh
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add minced garlic.
- Add mushrooms and sauté until soft.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream, and half of the mozzarella.
- Combine the shrimp mixture with the ricotta mixture.
- Stuff the cooked shells with the filling.
- Place stuffed shells in a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Can substitute other cheeses if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: creamy spinach mushroom shrimp shells, pasta, seafood, italian cuisine
