Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta

Introduction

Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta is a rich, indulgent dish that brings together the best of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite. Picture tender pasta shells generously filled with a luscious blend of succulent shrimp, earthy spinach, and velvety ricotta cheese, all baked to perfection in a savory sauce. Whether you’re preparing a special occasion meal, a cozy date-night dinner, or a comforting family feast, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience right at home.

The first time I made this, I was amazed by how effortlessly elegant it felt. Stuffing the pasta shells with the creamy shrimp and spinach mixture was both fun and rewarding, and as it baked, the irresistible aroma of garlic, cheese, and herbs filled the kitchen. By the time it came out of the oven, golden and bubbling, I knew I had created something special.

What I love most about Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta is how versatile it is. You can enhance it with a rich Alfredo or marinara sauce, add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra depth, or even swap the shrimp for crab or lobster for an even more decadent twist. Serve it with a crisp side salad and garlic bread for the perfect meal. No matter how you customize it, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy any pasta lover.

Perfect for:

• Elegant dinners
• Family gatherings
• Special occasions
• Meal prepping
• Seafood lovers

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Recipe

Here’s why Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta will become your new favorite dish:

• Creamy and Flavorful: The filling is rich and cheesy, with the perfect balance of shrimp and spinach.
• Perfectly Baked: The pasta shells are nestled in a delicious sauce and baked until bubbly.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and bake later for an easy weeknight dinner.
• Customizable: Switch up the sauce or add different seasonings to fit your taste.
• Restaurant-Worthy: Feels like a gourmet dish but is easy to make at home.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta:

• 12-16 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups marinara or Alfredo sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: The perfect shape for holding the creamy shrimp and spinach filling.
• Shrimp: Adds a sweet, delicate seafood flavor to the dish.
• Spinach: Provides a fresh, slightly earthy balance to the richness of the cheese.
• Ricotta Cheese: Gives the filling a smooth, creamy texture.
• Mozzarella & Parmesan: Create a cheesy, melty topping.
• Marinara or Alfredo Sauce: Choose your favorite sauce for a customized dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pasta:

1. Boil the Shells: Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Filling:

2. Cook the Shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped shrimp, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turns pink. Remove from heat.
3. Wilt the Spinach: Stir in chopped spinach while the shrimp is still warm, letting it soften.
4. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and the cooked shrimp and spinach mixture. Mix well.

Assemble the Pasta:

5. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Fill the Shells: Spoon the shrimp and spinach mixture into each cooked pasta shell.
7. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread ½ cup of marinara or Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
8. Arrange the Shells: Place the stuffed shells in the dish in a single layer.
9. Top with Sauce & Cheese: Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake the Dish:

10. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
11. Uncover and Brown: Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How to Serve Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta

• Classic with Marinara Sauce – Serve the stuffed pasta with a rich, garlicky marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an Italian-inspired dish.
• Creamy Alfredo Style – Top with a homemade or store-bought Alfredo sauce for a luxurious, creamy finish. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
• Lemon Butter Drizzle – Serve with a light lemon butter sauce, adding a refreshing citrusy balance to the creamy spinach and shrimp filling.
• Pesto Perfection – Drizzle or toss the pasta with basil pesto for a herby, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
• Baked with Cheese – Arrange the stuffed pasta in a baking dish, cover with a light tomato sauce, top with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake until bubbly and golden.
• Garlic Bread Side – Serve alongside crispy garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to soak up any extra sauce.
• On a Bed of Sautéed Vegetables – Place the stuffed pasta over a mix of sautéed zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers for added texture and freshness.
• Over a Salad – Lighten up the dish by serving the pasta over a fresh arugula or mixed greens salad, drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
• Paired with White Wine – Complement the dish with a glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the shrimp and spinach flavors.
• With a Spicy Kick – Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a bolder, more flavorful experience.

Additional Tips for Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta

• Use Large Pasta Shells or Cannelloni – Choose jumbo pasta shells, manicotti, or cannelloni to hold the filling well without breaking apart. Cook them al dente so they don’t become too soft when baking.
• Chop Shrimp into Small Pieces – Instead of leaving shrimp whole, chop them into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure an even distribution of shrimp throughout the filling.
• Sauté the Shrimp First – Lightly cook the shrimp with garlic and butter before stuffing them into the pasta. This enhances their flavor and prevents them from releasing excess water during baking.
• Drain the Spinach Well – Whether using fresh or frozen spinach, squeeze out excess moisture after cooking or thawing. Too much liquid can make the filling watery.
• Add Ricotta for Creaminess – Mixing ricotta cheese with the shrimp and spinach creates a smooth and creamy filling. For extra flavor, blend in Parmesan or shredded mozzarella.
• Season the Filling Well – Don’t forget salt, pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or a touch of lemon zest to enhance the flavors of the shrimp and spinach.
• Use a Piping Bag or Spoon for Filling – If stuffing pasta shells, a piping bag (or a plastic bag with the tip cut off) makes filling them easier and less messy than using a spoon.
• Layer with a Flavorful Sauce – A rich garlic Alfredo sauce, creamy tomato sauce, or a lemon butter sauce complements the shrimp and spinach beautifully.
• Top with Extra Cheese – Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a bit of Gruyère cheese on top before baking for a gooey, golden-brown finish.
• Bake Covered, Then Uncover – Cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes to keep the pasta from drying out, then remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to let the top brown slightly.

Recipe Variations for Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta

1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Shells: Add lemon zest and extra garlic for a fresh, zesty twist.
2. Cajun-Style: Use Cajun seasoning for a spicier, Southern-inspired dish.
3. Pesto Shrimp Shells: Swap marinara for basil pesto sauce.
4. Four-Cheese Blend: Mix in ricotta, mozzarella, fontina, and provolone for a cheesier filling.
5. Creamy Lobster & Shrimp: Add diced cooked lobster for an extra-luxurious version.
6. Spinach & Artichoke: Mix in chopped artichokes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
7. Sun-Dried Tomato & Shrimp: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
8. Garlic Butter Sauce: Swap the marinara for a light garlic butter sauce.
9. Zucchini & Shrimp: Add grated zucchini to the filling for extra veggies.
10. Mexican-Inspired: Use a chipotle cream sauce and sprinkle with queso fresco.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Assemble the dish but do not bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until warm.

Special Equipment for Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta

• Large Pot for Boiling Pasta
• Skillet for Cooking Shrimp
• Baking Dish
• Mixing Bowls
• Foil for Baking

FAQ for Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta

1. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.
2. What’s the best pasta shell size? Jumbo shells work best for stuffing.
3. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta? Yes, but blend it for a smoother texture.
4. Can I add more veggies? Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions.
5. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate overnight before baking.

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Conclusion

Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta is a rich, creamy, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special gathering or a cozy night in. Tender pasta shells are generously filled with a flavorful mixture of shrimp, spinach, and ricotta, then baked to perfection in your choice of marinara or Alfredo sauce. Every bite is packed with cheesy goodness and savory seafood flavor, making this a meal to remember.

Simple to prepare yet elegant enough to impress, this dish is a guaranteed favorite. Serve it with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete, restaurant-worthy experience right at home.

I can’t wait to see how you make this stuffed pasta your own! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to share your favorite twists in the comments. Happy cooking!