Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of shrimp and mushrooms in a smooth, creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can prepare a delicious meal that will impress family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, it combines easy-to-find ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Lastly, the creamy texture and savory flavors make this pasta dish comforting and satisfying, ensuring everyone will love it.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- ¾ pound medium shrimp (thawed & peeled, remove tails if desired)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 dashes Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Parmesan cheese (to taste)
Directions:
- Boil a large, salted pot of water for the pasta. Cook 8 ounces of uncooked pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, until the mushrooms release their water and it’s cooked off. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set them aside.
- Take the pan off the heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 2 dashes of Italian seasoning, and ⅓ cup of chicken broth or stock to the pan. Return the pan to the heat and stir until the mixture is smooth, allowing it to bubble for a minute.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add ¾ pound of medium shrimp and the cooked mushrooms back into the pan. Cook for 5 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desire. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce, adding a little pasta water if you wish to thin it out. Serve with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta
Serve this creamy pasta dish immediately while it’s hot. You can plate it individually or in a large bowl for sharing. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
How to Store Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta
If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy.
Tips to Make Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta
- Make sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning by adding more Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Using fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, as a garnish can add extra freshness to the dish.
Variation
You can make this recipe with other types of seafood, such as scallops or crab. Additionally, you can substitute the cremini mushrooms for other mushrooms like button or shiitake. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh just before serving for optimal taste and texture.
2. What can I serve with Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta?
This dish pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s possible to freeze the pasta dish, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you do freeze it, make sure to consume it within a month.
Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- ¾ pound medium shrimp (thawed & peeled, tails removed if desired)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 dashes Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- to taste Salt and pepper
- to taste Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil a large, salted pot of water. Cook the uncooked pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add butter and olive oil. Once hot, add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until the water from the mushrooms has cooked off. Remove the mushrooms from the pan.
- Take the pan off the heat and add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, flour, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Return the pan to the heat and stir until smooth, allowing it to bubble for a minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add shrimp and the cooked mushrooms back into the pan. Cook for 5 minutes or until shrimp are cooked through and the sauce thickens to your desire. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
Tossing the Pasta
- Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce, adding a little pasta water if needed to thin it out. Serve with grated parmesan cheese.
