Craving a flavorful and satisfying dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This shrimp and mushroom pasta recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with fresh, delicious ingredients, requires minimal cleanup, and is surprisingly healthy. Get ready to impress your family with this easy and elegant dish – perfect for a homemade cooking experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the mushrooms: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
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Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet with the mushrooms. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
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Add garlic and wine (or broth): Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. If using, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for a minute, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
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Create the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, until it slightly thickens.
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Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and mushroom sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
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Garnish and serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. This delicious dish is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that don't compromise on taste.
Tips for the Best Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mushrooms and parsley will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking. This allows for personalized delicious dishes.
- Add some vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers to the skillet with the mushrooms and shrimp.
Variations:
- Lemon Shrimp Pasta: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright and zesty flavor.
- Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta: Stir in 1/2 cup of crushed tomatoes along with the heavy cream for a richer, tomato-based sauce.
- Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This easy recipe offers a healthy and balanced meal, perfect for those seeking simple yet satisfying food recipes. Enjoy!