Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Mushrooms

Tender shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked fettuccine come together in a rich Parmesan–Mozzarella cream sauce infused with garlic, basil, paprika, and a hint of heat. This 30-minute pasta is indulgent yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers a restaurant-quality pasta experience at home. The shrimp are juicy and flavorful, the mushrooms add a savory depth, and the creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta without feeling too heavy. You can customize the spice level, swap proteins, or even make it gluten-free with your pasta of choice.

Ingredients

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

8 oz fettuccine pasta (or gluten-free brown rice pasta)
½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb shrimp (10 large or 20 small, peeled, deveined)
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ tsp dried basil
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
8 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 cup half-and-half
½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
½ cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water for later use.

2. Cook shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and garlic; sauté briefly until fragrant. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 minute on the first side until pink. Flip and season with basil, paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook another 1–2 minutes until pink on both sides. Remove shrimp (slightly undercooked is fine—they’ll finish in the sauce).

3. Cook mushrooms: In the same skillet, add mushrooms (add more oil if needed). Sauté for about 2 minutes until soft and juices release. Season lightly with salt.

4. Make sauce: Return shrimp to the skillet. Add half-and-half and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in half the cheese until melted, then gradually add the remaining cheese until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess (you may not need all). Adjust salt to taste.

5. Combine: Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss well and reheat over medium heat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until smooth.

6. Serve: Plate hot and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein swap: Use scallops, chicken, or even tofu instead of shrimp.

• Veggie boost: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or asparagus for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Cheese change: Try Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.

• Extra spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.

• Lighter version: Use whole milk instead of half-and-half and reduce cheese slightly.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?

Yes, it will make the sauce richer and thicker.

What pasta shape works best?

Fettuccine is classic, but linguine, spaghetti, or short pasta like penne also work well.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat at medium or below once you add the dairy, and don’t let it boil hard.

Can I make this without mushrooms?

Yes, simply omit them or replace with another vegetable.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check that your cheese is gluten-free.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the very end just to warm through to avoid overcooking.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream alternative and vegan cheeses that melt well.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Mushrooms is a quick, indulgent, and versatile dish that’s perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. With its flavorful sauce, tender shrimp, and savory mushrooms, it’s a satisfying pasta you’ll want to make again and again.

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