Introduction
The first time I made garlic shrimp mushroom pasta, I was looking for a dish that was creamy, rich, and packed with bold flavors. The combination of juicy shrimp, tender calamari, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety garlic parmesan sauce was absolutely irresistible. Every bite felt like something straight from a gourmet restaurant, but it was quick and easy to make at home!
Now, this pasta dish has become a weeknight favorite. If you love garlic butter shrimp, creamy pasta, and savory mushrooms, this recipe will be your new go-to comfort meal!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Mushroom Pasta
✔️ Rich & Creamy – The garlic parmesan sauce coats the pasta beautifully.
✔️ Full of Seafood Flavor – Juicy shrimp & tender calamari take this dish to the next level.
✔️ Easy & Quick – Ready in under 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight meal.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality at Home – A fancy dish that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Mushroom Pasta
For the Pasta & Protein:
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ½ lb calamari rings (optional)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup chicken broth or pasta water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Shrimp Mushroom Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil salted water in a large pot.
- Cook pasta until al dente, then reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms Sauté the Shrimp & Calamari
- Heat olive oil & butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic & red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Sauté mushrooms until soft and slightly golden.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp & Calamari
- Toss in shrimp & calamari rings, season with salt & pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream & chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine Everything & Serve
- Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Garnish with fresh parsley & extra parmesan, then serve hot!
Best Variations to Try
🍋 Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Add more lemon juice & zest for a citrusy kick.
🌿 Spinach & Mushroom Pasta – Toss in fresh spinach for extra greens.
🔥 Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Overcooking the Shrimp – They cook fast! Remove them as soon as they turn pink.
🚫 Not Reserving Pasta Water – Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
🚫 Using Pre-Shredded Parmesan – Always use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt.
FAQs About Garlic Shrimp Mushroom Pasta
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes! Use half-and-half or a mix of milk & cream cheese for a lighter version.
3. What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work best to hold the creamy sauce.
4. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
5. How do I reheat this pasta?
Reheat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive the creamy texture.
Conclusion
This garlic shrimp mushroom pasta is the perfect creamy, savory, and satisfying meal! Whether you’re making it for a date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy restaurant-quality pasta at home!
- Want more creamy soup ? Check out Healthy Creamy Broccoli Soup!