Pasta with Mushrooms and Shrimp

Method

1. Clean the shrimp by removing the heads and shells. Set the heads and shells aside.
2. Boil water with coarse salt and add the shrimp heads and shells to infuse flavor. Once boiling, remove the shells and discard.
3. Chop garlic and parsley. If desired, have a chili pepper ready.
4. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a pan and sauté the chopped garlic until fragrant.
5. Add the mushrooms to the pan, season with salt, pepper, parsley, and optional chili. Cook for a few minutes.
6. Add a ladleful of the infused pasta water to the mushrooms and stir.
7. Cook the pasta in the boiling infused water until al dente.
8. About one minute before the pasta is done, add the shrimp to the pan with the mushrooms. Shrimp only need about one minute to cook.
9. When the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the pan with the mushrooms and shrimp.
10. Tear fresh basil leaves and add them to the pasta along with grated Parmesan.
11. Turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let it rest for 30 seconds so the shrimp finish cooking in the steam.
12. Serve the pasta on a plate. Finish with a pinch of salt, pepper, a sprinkle of parsley, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a light dusting of Parmesan.