Name: Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 jumbo pasta shells; 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 4 oz cream cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning

If you’re searching for a dinner that feels indulgent yet nourishing, these Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells are your answer. They’re loaded with tender shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach, all wrapped in a luscious cream sauce and stuffed inside pasta shells. It feels like a restaurant-quality meal, but you can whip it up right in your own kitchen without a fuss.

This dish brings together the perfect balance of richness and freshness. The shrimp add a touch of the sea, the mushrooms lend deep savory notes, and the spinach brings color and lightness. The creamy filling gets tucked into pasta shells, then baked until everything is bubbling and perfectly golden. It’s comfort food with elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells Recipe

There are few things more satisfying than cheesy, creamy pasta shells—especially when they’re stuffed with a hearty mix of shrimp and vegetables. This recipe is a beautiful way to make a seafood dish feel cozy and family-style. It’s also a great way to sneak in veggies without anyone noticing, thanks to how beautifully the spinach and mushrooms melt into the creamy filling.

You can serve it as a weeknight dinner, but it’s impressive enough for guests or special occasions. It’s also easy to make ahead of time, and the leftovers reheat wonderfully.

What Kind of Pasta Shells Should I Use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use jumbo pasta shells. They are specifically designed for stuffing and hold the creamy shrimp filling beautifully. Make sure to cook them just until al dente—they will soften further as they bake in the oven. If you overcook them before baking, they may tear as you fill them or become mushy later.

Ingredients for the Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells

This recipe blends fresh vegetables, tender shrimp, and creamy cheese into a satisfying pasta dish. Each ingredient has a role in bringing balance to the filling—earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and the sweet brininess of shrimp all marry together under a blanket of rich, cheesy goodness.

Jumbo pasta shells
Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Fresh spinach
Mushrooms (sliced)
Garlic (minced)
Ricotta cheese
Cream cheese
Parmesan cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Heavy cream
Butter
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Italian seasoning

Each cheese contributes differently—ricotta for smoothness, mozzarella for meltiness, and Parmesan for a nutty finish. The cream cheese and heavy cream tie everything together in a rich, silky base.

How To Make the Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside, making sure they don’t stick together.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp, Spinach & Mushrooms

In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, then toss in the mushrooms and cook until golden. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Then add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until just pink. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, half of the Parmesan, and a bit of mozzarella. Stir in the shrimp-spinach-mushroom mixture until evenly combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Spoon the creamy filling into each pasta shell and arrange them in a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and remaining Parmesan, stirring gently until thickened slightly. Pour this sauce over the stuffed shells.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, cover the dish with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serving and Storing Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells

This dish is hearty enough to serve as a full meal and comfortably feeds about 4 to 6 people. It’s rich, filling, and pairs beautifully with something fresh or crisp on the side to balance out the creamy texture.

If you have leftovers, they store really well. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option. You can also freeze the baked shells—just allow them to cool completely first and wrap tightly. They should last up to 2 months in the freezer.

What to Serve With Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells?

Garlic Bread

A golden-crusted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce.

Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and a nice contrast to the rich filling.

Roasted Asparagus

Lightly roasted asparagus spears are a lovely, slightly crispy addition that keeps the plate bright and balanced.

Caprese Salad

Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction bring a burst of flavor and color.

Sauteed Green Beans

Simple and buttery green beans bring a pop of green and snap to your plate.

White Wine

A chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the shrimp and cream sauce wonderfully.

Lemon-Herb Couscous

A zesty couscous with lemon and parsley can add a bright and fluffy side.

Classic Caesar Salad

The creamy dressing and crunch of croutons go surprisingly well with the richness of stuffed pasta shells.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If these Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells hit the spot, you’ll love these other comforting pasta favorites from Janet Dishes:

Try our cozy and rich Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a vegetarian twist.
Enjoy the hearty flavor explosion in One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni.
For another elegant seafood spin, check out the Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque.
Need a side to go with this pasta? Our Roasted Asparagus is a perfect light pairing.
You might also fall in love with the creamy coziness of Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap in kale for spinach? Maybe tried a different seafood mix? I always love hearing how you make these recipes your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great! Janet Dishes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells are a little bit fancy, a little bit rustic, and a whole lot satisfying. They bring together fresh ingredients and bold flavor in a meal that’s made to be shared. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet evening or entertaining friends, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. And now that you know how easy it is to make, you might find yourself putting it on repeat.