Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Mushrooms

This Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Mushrooms is a rich, flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious, creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. It’s an easy yet elegant recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With just the right amount of garlic, herbs, and parmesan, this dish is both comforting and indulgent. Let’s dive in!

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work well)
• Salt (for the pasta water)

For the Shrimp and Mushrooms:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
• 1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced (cremini, white button, or a mix)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Skillet (for shrimp and mushroom mixture)
• Small saucepan (for the creamy sauce)
• Strainer (for draining pasta)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spoon (for tossing pasta and shrimp)

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Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente pasta.
• Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water to add to the sauce later if needed. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp and Mushrooms

• While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
• In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
• Add the minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for another 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

• In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Allow the broth to reduce slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
• Lower the heat, then add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
• Add 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir until the cheese has melted into the sauce and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Shrimp, Mushrooms, and Sauce

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms and garlic. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta, stirring gently to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
• Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together, making sure the shrimp are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

Step 5: Serve

• Once everything is well combined and heated through, transfer the creamy shrimp pasta to serving plates.
• Garnish with extra parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, and fresh parsley if desired. For a bit of extra flavor, you can add a dash of freshly ground black pepper on top.

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Notes and Tips

• Shrimp Substitutes: If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the shrimp with scallops, chicken breast, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for different proteins.
• Mushroom Options: Feel free to use different types of mushrooms for a varied flavor profile. Portobello, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms would all work well in this dish.
• Make it Spicy: If you love spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some freshly chopped jalapeños when sautéing the garlic and mushrooms.
• Creamy Sauce Variation: For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. If you want an even richer sauce, you can substitute part of the cream with cream cheese or ** mascarpone cheese** for extra creaminess.
• Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley can be added for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment with the herbs to suit your taste.
• Make-Ahead: While pasta dishes like this are best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just reheat it gently before tossing with the pasta and shrimp.

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Conclusion

This Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Mushrooms is the perfect combination of tender shrimp, savory mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish that’s easy to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or just treating yourself to a comforting meal, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!