Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Flavorful: The blend of garlic, basil, and paprika enhances the natural flavors of shrimp and mushrooms.
• Creamy Texture: A luscious sauce made with Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses provides a velvety finish.
• Versatile: Suitable for gluten-free diets when using gluten-free pasta.

Ingredients

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta (use gluten-free pasta if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb shrimp (shelled and deveined)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 8 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 cup half-and-half
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook Pasta: Prepare fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, dried basil, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, approximately 3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms. Sauté until tender and browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Prepare Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add half-and-half to the mushrooms, stirring to combine. Gradually add shredded Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce thickens.
5. Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and shrimp are well coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
6. Serve: Plate the creamy shrimp and mushroom pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat of the dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy consistency.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine is recommended, but linguine or spaghetti can also be used.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta varieties, such as brown rice or quinoa pasta.

Is there a substitute for half-and-half?

You can use equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream as a substitute.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely, vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes complement this dish well.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Maintain low heat when adding dairy products and avoid boiling the sauce.

What can I use instead of Parmesan and Mozzarella?

Asiago or Romano cheeses can be used for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque when fully cooked; avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead and combine them before serving.

What wine pairs well with this pasta?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

This creamy shrimp and mushroom pasta is a delightful and easy-to-prepare dish that brings together the rich flavors of seafood and mushrooms in a luscious sauce. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Indulge in a comforting One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni, a quick and easy weeknight dinner. This flavorful dish features rigatoni pasta and savory Italian sausage in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for the whole family.

 

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Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Incorporate Sauces: Add marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook Pasta: Add rigatoni to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute sausage with plant-based alternatives or hearty vegetables.
• Spicy Kick: Use hot sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
• Cheesy Addition: Add grated Parmesan for extra richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-Pot Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian