This Shrimp Pasta Carbonara is a creamy delight that combines tender shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s rich with flavorful cheese and a hint of garlic!
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you want to impress someone special! Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone asking for seconds. 🍤✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I prefer spaghetti for this dish, but linguine works just as well! If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free pasta. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed.
Shrimp: Large shrimp add a nice bite, but you can use medium or even frozen shrimp if fresh isn’t available. Just defrost and pat dry before using.
Pancetta/Bacon: Pancetta gives a nice depth of flavor, but bacon is a great alternative. Turkey bacon is a lighter option that still brings some crunch!
Cheese: Pecorino Romano is traditional and super flavorful, but if you can’t find it, Parmesan cheese is a fantastic substitute, offering a milder taste.
Eggs: For a lighter dish, you can use just egg whites instead of whole eggs. The sauce will still be creamy!
How Do You Get the Creamy Sauce Just Right?
The secret to a creamy carbonara sauce lies in the eggs and cheese! Here are some tips to perfect it:
- Make sure to whisk the eggs and cheese together until smooth. This combines them well, ensuring the sauce is creamy.
- When combining the pasta with the egg mixture, the key is to work quickly and keep the heat low. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Add reserved pasta water slowly as needed. It helps to loosen the sauce without diluting the flavor.
- Don’t forget to toss vigorously to coat all the pasta; it helps create that perfect creamy texture.
With these tips and substitutions, you’ll make a delicious Shrimp Pasta Carbonara that everyone will love!
How to Make Shrimp Pasta Carbonara
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Shrimp Pasta Carbonara takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. In no time, you’ll have a flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a romantic evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the spaghetti or linguine and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to save about 1 cup of the pasta water before you drain the rest. This will help create your sauce later!
2. Prepare the Egg-Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and add the grated cheese. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cook the Pancetta or Bacon:
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat it to medium. Toss in the diced pancetta or bacon, cooking it until it’s nice and crispy, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pancetta and set it aside, keeping the fat in the pan for flavor.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté it for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan, seasoning with some salt and black pepper. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and fully cooked. Once done, take them out and set aside with the pancetta.
6. Combine the Pasta and Sauces:
Now, reduce the heat to very low and add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss it in the rendered fat and garlic to get it flavorful!
7. Mix in the Egg-Cheese Sauce:
Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly pour your egg-cheese mixture over the pasta. Toss constantly to ensure the sauce envelops the pasta without scrambling the eggs. If it’s too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your liking.
8. Add Back in the Cooked Ingredients:
Finally, stir in the cooked pancetta and shrimp, mixing everything together gently until evenly combined.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Shrimp Pasta Carbonara right away! Garnish with extra grated cheese, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper for that perfect finishing touch!
Enjoy this creamy, garlicky shrimp pasta carbonara that perfectly balances richness and freshness! 🍝✨
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What Can I Use Instead of Pancetta?
Bacon is a great substitute if you can’t find pancetta. For a healthier option, try turkey bacon or even diced smoked turkey for a similar flavor profile!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to help maintain creaminess.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the shrimp and pancetta, and replace them with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for added texture, along with a generous amount of cheese for flavor.
