Creamy Shrimp Carbonara is a luxurious twist on the classic Italian dish, blending tender shrimp with a rich and silky carbonara sauce. This decadent pasta is made with sautéed shrimp, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy egg-based sauce enhanced with Parmesan, garlic, and crispy pancetta or bacon. The shrimp adds a fresh, seafood flavor that complements the richness of the sauce, making it a perfect option for a special dinner or when you want to elevate a weeknight meal. Simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Cook the Pancetta and Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Set the shrimp aside with the pancetta.
- Prepare the Carbonara Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Combine and Serve:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Lower the heat, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, and toss with the garlic. Remove the skillet from heat and slowly stir in the carbonara sauce, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Add the shrimp and pancetta back to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.
Creamy Shrimp Carbonara is an indulgent, flavorful dish that combines the richness of carbonara with the delicate taste of shrimp, creating a pasta dish that’s both elegant and comforting.
