1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering and prepping all your items to make the process smooth. Boil water for the 8 oz fettuccine pasta according to package instructions, and don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. This step sets the foundation for a great shrimp and mushroom pasta, allowing everything to come together quickly.

2-Second Step: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil along with 3 minced garlic cloves. Immediately toss in 1 lb of deveined shrimp and cook for about 1 minute until they pink up on one side. Flip the shrimp and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon each of dried basil, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re pink all over but still slightly undercooked they’ll finish in the sauce. For tips on handling seafood, try our grilled shrimp macaroni salad recipe for more ideas.

3-Third Step: Cook the Mushrooms
Using the same skillet, add 8 oz of thinly sliced mushrooms. If the pan seems dry, add a bit more olive oil. Cook on medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, stirring now and then, until the mushrooms soften and release their juices. Midway through, sprinkle a pinch of salt to enhance their flavor, creating that savory mushroom medley in your creamy shrimp mushroom pasta.

4-Fourth Step: Make the Creamy Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the mushrooms. Pour in 1 cup of half and half and bring it to a boil. Add half of the cheese ½ cup shredded Parmesan and bring it back to a boil, then reduce to a medium simmer. Stir constantly until the cheese melts, then gradually mix in the remaining ½ cup shredded Mozzarella, stirring until the sauce is creamy but not too thick. Taste and add more salt if needed, keeping an eye on the consistency for your garlic shrimp pasta.

5-Fifth Step: Combine and Serve
Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce, shrimp, and mushrooms. Reheat on medium heat, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in small amounts of the reserved pasta water while simmering on low-medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with extra salt, red pepper flakes, or basil as you like, then serve immediately. This step makes your creamy shrimp mushroom pasta ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families.