Linguine with Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Herb Sauce
Indulge in a delicious European-inspired dish featuring linguine elegantly tossed with tender shrimp and succulent mushrooms, all enveloped in a luxurious, creamy cheese herb sauce. This versatile recipe allows you to easily substitute chicken for shrimp or use your favorite vegetables instead of mushrooms, making it a customizable masterpiece. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting dinner or elevate it for a special occasion, this rich and flavorful pasta dish promises to captivate your palate.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
linguine
8 ounces (package)
butter
4 tablespoons (divided)
fresh mushrooms
1/2 lb (sliced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
cream cheese
3 ounces (package)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
dried basil
3/4 teaspoon (dried)
boiling water
2/3 cup
cooked shrimp
1/2 lb (peeled and deveined)
Instructions
1
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until it is al dente, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are tender and golden brown, then transfer them to a plate and set aside.
3
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4
4. Stir the cream cheese into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it melts, creating a creamy base for the sauce.
5
5. Mix in the chopped parsley and dried basil, and continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
6
6. Gradually whisk in the boiling water until the sauce becomes smooth and reaches the desired creamy consistency.
7
7. Add the cooked shrimp and sautéed mushrooms to the sauce, stirring until everything is well-coated and heated through.
8
8. Combine the drained linguine with the herbal shrimp and mushroom sauce, tossing gently to ensure the pasta is well-cooked and evenly covered.
9
9. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired, and savor the harmonious flavors of creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and succulent shrimp.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this linguine recipe?
The recipe features cooked shrimp as the primary protein, which is added to the sauce at the end of the cooking process.
Can I substitute chicken for the shrimp?
Yes, this recipe is versatile and allows you to easily substitute chicken for the shrimp if you prefer a different protein.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for linguine, which works well with the creamy cheese herb sauce.
How long should I cook the linguine?
The linguine should be cooked in lightly salted water for about 7 to 9 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
What kind of mushrooms are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of fresh mushrooms, which are sliced and sautéed until tender and golden brown.
Can I use other vegetables instead of mushrooms?
Absolutely, the recipe is customizable, allowing you to use your favorite vegetables in place of the mushrooms.
What gives the sauce its creamy texture?
The creaminess comes from a combination of cream cheese and butter, which are melted together and whisked with boiling water.
Which herbs are included in the sauce?
The herb profile consists of fresh chopped parsley and dried basil.
How much garlic is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves, cooked in butter until fragrant.
Is the shrimp cooked before being added to the sauce?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 lb of cooked shrimp that has been peeled and deveined.
What is the purpose of adding boiling water to the sauce?
Gradually whisking in boiling water helps smooth out the melted cream cheese and achieve your desired creamy consistency.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, while it is a comforting dinner, its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it perfect for special occasions.
What should I do with the mushrooms after sautéing them?
Once they are tender and golden, you should transfer them to a plate and set them aside while you prepare the rest of the sauce.
How is the cream cheese incorporated?
The cream cheese is stirred into the skillet with butter and garlic, and broken up with a spoon as it melts.
Can I garnish the finished pasta?
Yes, serving the pasta hot with an additional garnish of fresh parsley is recommended.
What is the total amount of butter used?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of butter in total, divided into two parts for sautéing the mushrooms and making the sauce.
Is this a European-inspired recipe?
Yes, the description characterizes this as a European-inspired dish.
How long should the sauce simmer after adding herbs?
The sauce should simmer for an additional 5 minutes after mixing in the parsley and dried basil to meld the flavors.
How is the pasta combined with the sauce?
The drained linguine is added directly to the skillet and tossed gently to ensure it is evenly covered in the shrimp and mushroom sauce.
What measurement of cream cheese is required?
The recipe uses a 3-ounce package of cream cheese.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of dried basil, you can certainly experiment with fresh basil, though quantities may need adjustment.
Is the shrimp peeled before adding to the pan?
Yes, the shrimp should be peeled and deveined before being added to the creamy sauce.
Should the water be salted when boiling the pasta?
Yes, the instructions suggest bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
What if the sauce is too thick?
You can control the consistency by gradually whisking in the 2/3 cup of boiling water until it reaches your desired smoothness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Yes, while the recipe calls for 'fresh mushrooms,' you can use any variety such as cremini, button, or shiitake.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich, creamy sauce and filling pasta base.
What temperature should I use to sauté the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be sautéed over medium-high heat.
How do I know when the garlic is ready?
The garlic should be cooked in butter for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.