Whipping Up a Quick and Tasty Shrimp Pasta Carbonara: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Hack
- Janel Louise Ohletz
- Mar 30
- 4 min read
Who doesn’t love a delicious pasta dish you can make in a snap? If you're short on time yet still craving an incredible meal, you’re in luck! This shrimp pasta carbonara is not just simple and quick but also packs a punch in flavor. In the time it takes to boil the water and set the table you can prep this meal.
Picture succulent shrimp, a creamy sauce, and rich Parmesan cheese coming together to create an unforgettable dinner. Get ready to discover this quick and easy recipe that will soon become one of your go-to weeknight meals!
Why Choose Shrimp Pasta Carbonara?
Pasta carbonara is an Italian classic known for its creamy consistency and savory depth. Adding shrimp elevates this dish by providing protein that is both satisfying and light. For example, 3 ounces of shrimp offers about 18 grams of protein while being low in calories. The combination of garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a touch of black pepper results in a flavor that’s simply irresistible. And let's not forget the bacon....who doesn't love bacon.
The best part? You can whip this dish up in under 30 minutes. That makes it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. You can have it on the table quicker than an Uber could deliver your take-out order!
Ingredients You Will Need
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients. Most are common in your kitchen, and good pantry staples to have on hand:
8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 ounces, natural cured bacon, cut crossways into 1/4 inch slices
2 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
With these ingredients, you're on your way to creating a mouthwatering dish that will delight your taste buds!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to create a delightful shrimp pasta carbonara in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Once boiling, add your spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook according to package directions until al dente, generally about 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the rest. This starchy water will help adjust the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Bacon and Shrimp
While your pasta cooks, heat a large sauté or sautoir pan (I like these large, straight sided pans for this job) over medium heat and cooked the bacon for 5 minutes, or until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and toss in the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook these until just beginning to turn pink, then remove. Be careful not to overcook; if you do, the shrimp can end up chewy.
Turn the heat to low and add minced garlic and let it sauté for about a minute until fragrant. The low heat ensures the garlic does not burn. Burnt garlic has a bitter taste we don't want in this dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. You want a uniform mixture.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp
After the pasta is cooked and drained, add it directly to the skillet with shrimp. Toss everything together while turning off the heat under the skillet, or remove from the burner if electric. This step is crucial to avoid cooking the eggs too much in the next step.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Carbonara Sauce
Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the warm pasta and shrimp, tossing rapidly to coat evenly. Toss those saved bacon pieces back in. Gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired creamy consistency. The starch in the water will help to create a wonderful creamy sauce. Stir for another minute. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Garnish your shrimp pasta carbonara with freshly chopped parsley. This adds color and enhances the flavor. Serve right away in bowls and watch as everyone enjoys!
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Ingredients: Since carbonara is a straightforward dish, high-quality ingredients make a big difference. Freshly grated Parmesan is richer and creamier than pre-grated options.
Mix Quickly: To avoid scrambling the eggs, mix the hot pasta with the egg mixture swiftly. Quick movements help create that creamy texture.
Watch the Shrimp: Perfectly cooked shrimp should be tender and juicy. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Add Variations: Feel free to get creative! Incorporate fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch of chili flakes if you want some heat.
Savor the Flavor
Shrimp pasta carbonara is not just delicious; it's also an easy dish perfect for those hectic weeknights. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few quick steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. On a weeknight when you are feeling like reaching for the phone, why reach for this recipe instead.
Whether cooking for yourself or wanting to impress guests, this easy recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try next time you're in the mood for a tasty, quick dinner. Enjoy!
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