Indulge in a culinary experience that combines the richness of shrimp, the earthiness of mushrooms, and the creamy goodness of a luscious sauce. This Creamy Shrimp & Mushroom Pasta is a delightful treat for your taste buds, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of garlic-infused shrimp, savory mushrooms, and a velvety cream sauce creates a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. Let’s explore the ingredients and step-by-step directions to bring this delectable pasta dish to your table.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound fresh shrimp (10 big shrimp or 20 small shrimp), without shells, de-veined
- 3 garlic cloves
- Dried basil
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Paprika
- 8 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Cooked pasta water
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Directions:
- Heat a large skillet until hot – add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and immediately add garlic and shrimp. Cook on one side for about 1 minute until pink on one side, on medium-high heat.
- Flip the shrimp to the other side, sprinkle the top of the cooked side of shrimp with dry basil, paprika, and salt. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, occasionally stirring, until shrimp is pink on both sides. Remove the shrimp from the skillet. If the shrimp is a little under-cooked, it’s okay because you will continue cooking it in the sauce.
- To the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms. Add more olive oil if necessary. Cook on high heat for about 2 minutes, occasionally stirring, until mushrooms become soft and release juices. Salt midway through cooking.
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Immediately add 1 cup half and half and all of the cheese – bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer, and cook, constantly stirring, until all the cheese melts. Cover with a lid and remove from heat.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve some of the pasta water. Drain and rinse pasta with cold water.
- Add pasta to the skillet with shrimp, mushrooms, and cream sauce. Stir well, season with more salt, and add more crushed red pepper flakes and basil if desired.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this Creamy Shrimp & Mushroom Pasta is a culinary masterpiece that combines the freshest shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety cream sauce to create a dish that is both indulgent and satisfying. The blend of flavors, from the garlicky shrimp to the creamy cheese sauce, makes every bite a moment to savor. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this pasta dish is sure to delight your taste buds. So, grab a fork, twirl some pasta, and enjoy the creamy and flavorful goodness of this Shrimp & Mushroom Pasta!