If you love dishes that bring together creamy, cheesy goodness and tender seafood, this Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Shrimp Recipe is the perfect treat for you. Imagine plump shrimp filled with a rich blend of spinach, artichokes, and cream cheese — baked until golden and fragrant. The result? A dish that feels both fancy and comforting, ready in under 40 minutes.
This recipe isn’t just about taste — it’s about experience. The vibrant green of spinach, the creamy filling, and the delicate shrimp create a visually stunning plate that looks like something from a fine-dining restaurant, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating your family to something different, this dish never fails to impress.
In this article, we’ll walk you through every step — from selecting the best shrimp to perfecting that creamy stuffing — while keeping everything simple, delicious, and beginner-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a lot of reasons why this Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Shrimp deserves a place in your kitchen:
- Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a professional chef. The steps are simple, and the prep time is short.
- Rich in Flavor: Every bite gives you the perfect balance of creamy, garlicky filling and tender, juicy shrimp.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving guests or making a weeknight dinner, everyone will love this restaurant-quality recipe.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences — add extra cheese, a dash of spice, or even a hint of lemon zest.
- Beautiful Presentation: The stuffed shrimp look elegant on any dinner table, making them perfect for holidays and parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish. These ingredients are easy to find and come together beautifully.
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
For Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or dill
- Lemon wedges
- A light sprinkle of Parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Rinse your shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Using a small knife, carefully make a slit along the back of each shrimp to create a pocket for stuffing. Make sure not to cut all the way through.
Season the shrimp with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Set them aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Spinach
In a medium-sized skillet, add a little olive oil and heat it over medium flame. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until it’s wilted — this usually takes about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped artichoke hearts, sautéed spinach, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Taste the filling — if you want more brightness, add a little extra lemon juice; for a cheesier flavor, sprinkle in more Parmesan. The filling should be thick, rich, and easy to scoop.
Step 4: Stuff the Shrimp
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Using a small spoon, fill the back slit of each shrimp with the spinach-artichoke mixture. Don’t overfill, but make sure there’s enough to create a nice mound.
Arrange the stuffed shrimp in the prepared baking dish, tails up for a beautiful presentation.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the filling is slightly golden on top.
Optional: For a golden crust, switch your oven to broil for the last 2 minutes — but watch carefully so they don’t burn.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the shrimp from the oven, let them cool for a minute, and then transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Serve warm — and watch as everyone at the table goes for seconds!
Expert Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shrimp
Cooking shrimp may sound simple, but a few professional tips can take your recipe from good to outstanding.
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh shrimp, vibrant spinach, and high-quality artichokes make all the difference. Avoid frozen shrimp if possible; they can release too much moisture and dilute the flavors.
2. Don’t Overcook
Shrimp cook very fast. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery — so keep a close eye on your oven timer.
3. Enhance the Filling
You can experiment with the filling by adding:
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
- A handful of mozzarella or cheddar for a gooier texture.
- A dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you like spice.
4. Add a Crispy Topping
Before baking, sprinkle the tops with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for an extra crunch.
5. Try Grilling
For summer gatherings, you can grill the stuffed shrimp instead of baking them. Just wrap each one in foil and cook for 8–10 minutes on medium heat.
How to Serve Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Shrimp
This dish is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are some serving ideas:
- With Rice: Garlic butter rice or lemon herb rice balances the creamy filling beautifully.
- With Pasta: Serve over angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs.
- With Salad: A light garden salad or Caesar salad complements the richness.
- With Bread: Crusty garlic bread or baguette slices are perfect for scooping up the filling.
- As an Appetizer: Serve a few stuffed shrimp on skewers for elegant party bites.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Make Ahead:
You can prepare the filling a day before cooking. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply stuff and bake.
Storing Leftovers:
Leftover stuffed shrimp can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Freeze individually on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. They keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp chewy.
Variations to Try
This recipe is delicious as-is, but you can have fun with variations:
- Crab-Stuffed Shrimp: Mix crab meat into the filling for a luxurious twist.
- Spinach & Ricotta Shrimp: Substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter texture.
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Add Cajun seasoning and paprika to the filling for a smoky flavor.
- Bacon-Wrapped Version: Wrap each stuffed shrimp with a half-slice of bacon before baking.
Health Benefits
Besides being delicious, this dish is nutritious too:
- High in Protein: Shrimp is a lean source of protein that helps build muscle.
- Rich in Vitamins: Spinach and artichokes provide vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and fiber.
- Low in Carbs: This dish fits well into low-carb or keto-friendly diets.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil and cheese contribute heart-healthy fats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing the Shrimp: Too much filling can cause it to spill out during baking.
- Skipping the Preheat: Always preheat the oven so shrimp cook evenly.
- Using Frozen Spinach Wet: If you use frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out all the moisture.
- Forgetting the Lemon: Lemon juice balances the richness — don’t skip it!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use small shrimp for this recipe?
It’s best to use large or jumbo shrimp so there’s enough space for the filling.
Q2: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw it completely and squeeze out all water to prevent a soggy filling.
Q3: How long does it take to cook?
Around 15–20 minutes in the oven at 375°F (190°C).
Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Q5: What wine pairs best with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, garlicky flavors perfectly.
Conclusion
There you have it — your Delicious Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Shrimp Recipe, ready to impress your family and friends.
With its creamy filling, tender shrimp, and irresistible aroma, this dish turns any meal into a celebration. It’s elegant enough for parties, simple enough for weeknights, and versatile enough to pair with almost anything.
Next time you’re craving something unique yet comforting, give this recipe a try — and watch it become one of your signature dishes.
✨ Enjoy cooking, serving, and sharing this seafood masterpiece — straight from your kitchen to your heart.
