Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Mushrooms

 

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta (for gluten-free version, use gluten-free brown rice pasta)
• ½ cup cooked pasta water (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb shrimp (10 big shrimp or 20 small shrimp, without shells, 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

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Cook pasta according to package instructions.
   • Drain and reserve some of the pasta water.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
   • Immediately add minced garlic and shrimp to the skillet.
   • Cook shrimp on one side for about 1 minute until pink.
   • Flip the shrimp to the other side.
   • Sprinkle dried basil, paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt over the cooked side of shrimp.
   • Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp is pink on both sides.
   • Remove shrimp from the skillet.

3. Cook the Mushrooms:

   • In the same skillet (now empty), add sliced mushrooms.
   • Add more olive oil if necessary.
   • Cook mushrooms over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and they release juices.
   • Sprinkle with a small amount of salt midway through cooking.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

   • Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet with the mushrooms.
   • Immediately pour in 1 cup of half-and-half.
   • Bring to a boil.
   • Add half of the shredded Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses (½ cup total).
   • Stir and bring to a boil again, then immediately reduce to medium-simmer.
   • Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
   • Gradually add the remaining shredded cheese (½ cup total), stirring continuously.
   • Adjust the amount of cheese to achieve a creamy consistency without making the sauce too thick.
   • Remove from heat.
   • Taste and add more salt if needed.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   • Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp, mushrooms, and creamy sauce.
   • Reheat over medium heat, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

6. Adjust Consistency and Seasoning:

   • If the cream sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water in small amounts while simmering on low-medium heat until you reach the desired consistency.
   • Season with additional salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried basil according to taste.