Introduction
If you've ever tried garlic shrimp or sautéed mushrooms with garlic, you know that both dishes are full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. Now imagine combining them with al dente pasta, wrapped in olive oil flavored with garlic, fresh parsley, and a hint of chili to add that intense kick. That’s exactly what you get with these spaghetti with shrimp and garlic mushrooms.

This recipe is not only simple and quick to make but also a dish that wins over everyone. Whether for a weekday dinner or a special meal with friends, its balance of flavors and texture makes it an infallible choice. Additionally, it’s easily adaptable: you can make it spicier or milder, swap the seafood, or even add other vegetables.

If you're looking for a dish that will impress without complicating things in the kitchen, this recipe is for you. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious pasta dish with an unmistakable Mediterranean touch. Let’s discover why this recipe will become one of your favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Key Benefits

• Easy and quick. You don’t need to be an expert to prepare this dish. In under half an hour, you’ll have a complete and flavorful meal.

• Simple and accessible ingredients. Most of the ingredients you probably already have at home or can easily find in any supermarket.

• Intense flavors. Garlic, parsley, olive oil, and chili create an irresistible aromatic base, enhanced by the softness of the shrimp and the earthy touch of the mushrooms.

• Versatile and adaptable. You can adjust the spiciness level, replace the shrimp with another type of seafood, or even add a creamy touch with some cream or grated cheese.

Who is This Recipe Perfect For?

• Those who are looking for a quick meal without sacrificing flavor. It’s ideal for those days when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

• Mediterranean food lovers. This dish carries the hallmark of Spanish cuisine, with fresh ingredients and well-balanced flavors.

• For light yet satisfying dinners. The combination of pasta, protein, and vegetables makes it a balanced option without being too heavy.

• For beginner and expert cooks alike. Whether it’s your first time making pasta with seafood or you already have cooking experience, this recipe is easy to follow and allows you to play with the ingredients.

This dish proves that simple cooking can still be exquisite. Now that you know why this recipe is a guaranteed hit, let’s go over everything you need to make it to perfection.

Ingredients for Spaghetti with Shrimp and Garlic Mushrooms
This recipe stands out for its simple ingredients. You don’t need anything exotic or hard to find—just fresh, high-quality products.

Main Ingredients

• 300 g of peeled shrimp. You can use them fresh or frozen. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first in a colander in the fridge.

• 6 fresh mushrooms. They provide a mild flavor and tender texture. You can replace them with shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a more intense flavor.

• 5 cloves of garlic. They’re key to this dish, so don’t skimp on them.

• 210 g of spaghetti. It’s ideal to use classic spaghetti, but you can also try linguine or fettuccine.

• 2 cayenne chilies. They will add that characteristic spicy kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, use just one or omit them entirely.

• 4-5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Make sure it’s high quality, as it’s the base of the sauce.

• 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika. It adds color and a smoky note that enhances the flavors.

• Salt to taste.

Substitutions and Tips

• No spice: If you prefer to avoid the spiciness, simply omit the chilies or replace them with a pinch of black pepper.

• Gluten-free pasta: You can use rice, quinoa, or corn spaghetti if you follow a gluten-free diet.

• Citrus touch: A squeeze of lemon at the end will enhance the flavors and balance the dish.

Best Ingredients to Enhance Flavor
Each ingredient brings its own character, but choosing the best versions of each can make a difference.

• What are the best shrimp for this recipe?
  The ideal choice is fresh shrimp, but if you only have access to frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly and dry them well before cooking. Red shrimp or langoustines also work great in this recipe.

• The type of mushroom matters
  White mushrooms are the most common choice, but if you’re looking for a deeper flavor, try portobello or brown mushrooms. You can also combine different types for extra flavor.

• Olive oil, a key ingredient
  Not just any olive oil will do. For an authentic flavor, choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Its intensity will enhance the garlic and shrimp, bringing a fruity touch that balances the dish.

Essential Tools for Preparing This Recipe
You don’t need sophisticated equipment to make this recipe, but certain utensils will make the process easier.

Must-haves

• Large non-stick skillet: It’s important to have enough space to mix the spaghetti with the sauce.

• Large pot for pasta: The key to perfect pasta cooking is ensuring enough space for the pasta to move in the water.

• Colander: It will be useful for draining the pasta without cooling it with cold water.

Useful but not essential

• Kitchen tongs: They help to mix the pasta evenly with the sauce.

• Cheese grater: If you decide to add a touch of parmesan or pecorino at the end.

How to Make Spaghetti with Shrimp and Garlic Mushrooms Step by Step
The secret to this recipe lies in following each step carefully. Don’t worry, it’s a simple and quick process.

Step 1: Sauté the mushrooms
Heat a large skillet over high heat, without any oil.
Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden. This step is key to ensuring they don’t release water and maintain a firm texture.
Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Fry the garlic
Peel and thinly slice the garlic.
In the same skillet, add the olive oil and reduce the heat to medium.
Add the garlic and cook until golden. Be careful not to overcook them, as they burn quickly and can make the dish bitter.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet with the garlic.
Add the cayenne chilies and chopped parsley.
Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp change color and are fully cooked.

Step 4: Add the paprika
Just before turning off the heat, add the teaspoon of sweet paprika.
Mix quickly so it integrates with the oil and other ingredients. Don’t leave it on the heat too long, as paprika burns easily and can impart a bitter taste.

Step 5: Cook the spaghetti
While preparing the sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain without rinsing with cold water.

Step 6: Combine and serve
Add the spaghetti directly to the skillet with the shrimp and mushrooms.
Mix well to ensure the pasta absorbs all the flavors.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little pasta cooking water to better bind the ingredients.
Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
Serve immediately and, if desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley on top.

Tips for a Perfect Result

• Don’t rinse the spaghetti after cooking. This would remove the starch that helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.

• Control the cooking time of the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Just a few minutes until they change color is enough.

• Add a bit of pasta water to the sauce. This helps emulsify the olive oil and paprika, creating a silkier texture.

• Don’t overdo the chili. If it’s your first time trying this recipe, start with one and adjust the amount in future attempts.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll have a flavorful dish with the perfect texture. Now all that’s left is to serve and enjoy.

How to Store Spaghetti with Shrimp and Garlic Mushrooms
This dish is best enjoyed freshly made, as the pasta absorbs the flavors and the shrimp remains juicy. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them easily by following these recommendations.

Storage in the Fridge
Store the spaghetti in an airtight container to avoid absorbing odors from other foods.
They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Longer storage may affect the texture of the shrimp.
To reheat, use a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Avoid the microwave, as it can dry out the ingredients.

Can it be frozen?
Freezing pasta with shrimp isn’t the best option, as the shrimp may become rubbery when thawed and reheated. However, if necessary:

• Store the pasta in an airtight container, preferably in individual portions.

• Consume within 1 month to maintain the best flavor.

• To defrost, move it from the freezer to the fridge the night before and reheat in a skillet with a bit of oil.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

• Can I use another type of seafood instead of shrimp?
  Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You can substitute the shrimp for langoustines, squid, or even mussels. Just adjust the cooking time so they don’t become tough.

• Can I make it gluten-free?
  Yes, just substitute regular spaghetti for a gluten-free version, such as rice or corn pasta. Be sure to check the labels of the other ingredients to avoid any cross-contamination.

• What should I do if my spaghetti becomes too dry when reheating?
  Add a little water or vegetable broth when reheating in the skillet. You can also add a splash of olive oil to bring back its creaminess.

• What sides go well with this dish?
  This dish is quite complete on its own, but if you want to complement it, you can serve it with:

• A fresh salad with tomato, arugula, and feta cheese.

• Crispy bread to dip in the sauce.

• A dry white wine like Albariño or Verdejo to highlight the flavors.

Other Recipes You Might Like
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are other delicious options you can try:

• Stir-fried noodles – A quick, flavorful option with an Asian twist.

• Grilled fish – Perfect for pairing with this recipe for a light and healthy option.

• Pasta with creamy shrimp – If you love the combination of seafood and pasta, you’ll enjoy this one.

• Chicken breast in mushroom sauce – Ideal for those looking for more mushroom options.

Conclusion
Spaghetti with shrimp and garlic mushrooms proves that with simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can create a spectacular dish. The key is choosing high-quality ingredients, following the correct cooking times, and not being afraid to experiment with flavors.

If you enjoyed this recipe, go ahead and give it a try and share your experience. Did you add any extra ingredients? Did you make any variations? Leave a comment and let us know how it turned out!