This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Mushrooms is creamy, tasty, and the perfect comfort food. Juicy shrimp and soft mushrooms swim in a rich, velvety sauce over pasta—yum!
Cooking this dish makes me feel like a fancy chef, even if it’s super easy! I love to add a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving. It pairs well with a simple salad too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, but linguine works great too! If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free pasta. It’s still delicious and easy to find at most grocery stores.
Shrimp: I recommend using large shrimp for a satisfying bite. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can swap them for cooked chicken or even sautéed veggies for a vegetarian option.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add a nice depth, but button mushrooms do fine too. You can also try other mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for different flavors. If you want a mushroom-free dish, feel free to leave them out.
Heavy Cream: This is key for a creamy sauce! If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half can work in a pinch, though it won’t be as rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can be used, but it will give a different taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
How Do You Make a Creamy Alfredo Sauce?
The Alfredo sauce can seem tricky, but with just a few steps, you’ll have a creamy and delicious result! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by melting unsalted butter; this adds richness to the sauce.
- Once melted, add mushrooms and cook until they’re tender and browned—this enhances their flavor.
- Stir in garlic and cook briefly—just until fragrant, to avoid burning.
- Adding the heavy cream next is essential—bring it to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat.
- Whisk in the grated Parmesan slowly. This helps it melt smoothly without clumping.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Finally, mix in the pasta and shrimp, letting them soak up that creamy goodness. If your sauce thickens too much, add the reserved pasta water to loosen it up!
Give it some love and patience, and you’ll end up with a sauce that’s simply irresistible!
How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta With Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional for deglazing)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Shrimp Alfredo Pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and shrimp and about 20 minutes making the sauce and bringing it all together. It’s quick and perfect for weeknight dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling, add your fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but remember to save about 1/2 cup of that pasta water for later use!
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until they’re golden brown and tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!
4. Add Garlic and Deglaze:
Once the mushrooms are ready, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. If you’re using chicken broth or white wine, pour it in now and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze, lifting all those delicious brown bits from the skillet.
5. Create the Alfredo Sauce:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
6. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with your drained pasta. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta and shrimp are coated in that luscious sauce. If it seems too thick, gradually stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Give it another minute or two on the heat to ensure everything is warmed through. Finally, plate your Shrimp Alfredo Pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Your creamy, delicious Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with mushrooms is now ready to be enjoyed! Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To thaw quickly, place the shrimp in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 20-30 minutes, or leave them in the fridge overnight for a slower thaw.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’d like a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut cream can be used, though it will impart a slightly different flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of additional cream or water to help restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. Just sauté them along with the mushrooms, and adjust cooking times as necessary. It’s a great way to add more flavor and nutrients!
