Spaghetti Carbonara is a beloved Italian pasta dish known for its rich and creamy sauce, typically made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. This traditional recipe with a delightful twist of shrimps makes another flavorful recipe called shrimp spaghetti carbnara. Today, we will share recipe and talk about shrimp spaghetti carbonara.
Recipe Of Shrimp Spaghetti Carbonara
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 400g of high-quality spaghetti noodles.
- Shrimp: 250g of fresh, peeled and deveined shrimp.
- Eggs: 3 large eggs, preferably at room temperature.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pancetta or Bacon: 150g, diced into small pieces.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
Step By Step Guide To Cook Shrimp Spaghetti Carbonara
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti.
- In a separate pan, cook the diced pancetta or bacon until crispy. Set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of black pepper.
- Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic-infused oil.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the spaghetti, tossing quickly to coat the noodles. The heat from the pasta will create a creamy sauce.
- Fold in the cooked pancetta or bacon and the sautéed shrimp.
- If the pasta seems too dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the Shrimp Spaghetti Carbonara and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Optionally, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for extra indulgence.
- If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, explore eggless carbonara recipes using alternative ingredients like silken tofu or cashew cream for a creamy texture.
Tips To Make Shrimp Spaghetti Carbonara Even More Delightful!
- Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp and Parmesan cheese to enhance the overall flavour of the dish.
- While traditional spaghetti works well, feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. Linguine or fettuccine can be excellent alternatives.
- While Parmesan is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a blend of different cheeses to add depth to the flavor.
- You can add a pop of color and nutrition by incorporating vegetables such as peas, cherry tomatoes, or spinach. Sauté them along with the shrimp for an extra layer of flavor.
- Elevate the dish by infusing the olive oil with additional aromatics, such as a sprig of fresh thyme or a couple of crushed garlic cloves. Remove these before tossing the pasta for a subtle yet fragrant undertone.
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes during the sautéing process or sprinkle them over the finished dish for a touch of spice.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the shrimp for an extra layer of complexity in the sauce.
- Keep in mind that both Parmesan cheese and bacon can be salty, so taste as you go and adjust the salt accordingly.
- Carbonara is best enjoyed right after preparation to savor the creamy texture. Reheating may cause the eggs to scramble, so plan accordingly.
Serving Suggestions For Shrimp Spaghetti Carbonara
- A crisp, light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness of the dish.
- Serve with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
- Accompany the Shrimp Spaghetti Carbonara with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
- Enhance the freshness of the dish by adding a sprinkle of lemon zest over the Shrimp Spaghetti Carbonara just before serving. The citrusy notes will brighten up the flavors.
- Besides parsley, experiment with other fresh herbs like chives or basil for an added layer of aromatic complexity.
- For a stylish presentation, consider serving individual portions in pasta bowls or on plates, ensuring each serving is adorned with an appealing arrangement of shrimp and pancetta.
- If you’re serving a crowd, present the Shrimp Spaghetti Carbonara in a large, communal dish, allowing everyone to dig in and savor the delightful combination of flavors.
- Consider serving the dish with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, to add variety to the meal.
- For a luxurious twist, finish the Shrimp Spaghetti Carbonara with a drizzle of truffle oil just before serving. The earthy aroma of truffle oil complements the creaminess of the sauce.
Time Saving Tips
- Prepare the pancetta or bacon and the egg and cheese mixture in advance to streamline the cooking process.
- If you’re short on time, opt for pre-cooked shrimp that only need a quick sauté to warm through, reducing overall cooking time.
- While the pasta is boiling, simultaneously cook the pancetta, shrimp, and prepare the egg and cheese mixture to save time and ensure everything is ready to combine.
What To Do With Leftover Shrimp Spaghetti Carbonara?
Here are three best ways to transform your leftover shrimp spaghetti carbonara into a delicious treat.
- You can transform leftovers into a delicious frittata by mixing the pasta with beaten eggs and baking until set. Cut into wedges for a tasty brunch or lunch option.
- Use leftover Shrimp Spaghetti Carbonara as a filling for roasted bell peppers, topped with a bit of cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.
- Spread the leftover pasta on a pizza crust, add some mozzarella, and bake for a unique twist on carbonara flavors.
We hope you will enjoy this tasty finger licking creamy pasta with a twist of sea food delight!