This delightful dish is a fusion of Italian and Seafood cuisine, blending the flavorful allure of shrimp with the savory taste of bacon. The combination is then elevated with a medley of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spinach, all served over perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. It's not just a meal; it's an experience.
The main ingredients for this recipe - fettuccine, bacon, and medium shrimp - are widely available at most supermarkets. However, you may need to visit the international aisle for the Italian seasoning. Also, some might not typically have tomato paste on hand, but it is an essential ingredient that adds a rich thickness to the dish.
Ingredients for Shrimp Pasta with Bacon
Fettuccine pasta: A type of pasta popular in Roman and Tuscan cuisine. It's flat and thick which holds up well under robust sauces.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the seafood.
Garlic: Brings a pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking.
Onion: Provides a depth of flavor.
Medium shrimp: The key seafood element in this dish. Its delicate, sweet flavor pairs well with the other ingredients.
Italian seasoning: An aromatic blend of dried herbs, usually including basil, oregano, and rosemary, among others.
Tomatoes with juice: Adds a sweet, tangy flavor and helps create the sauce.
Baby spinach leaves: They cook down significantly and add a healthy component to the dish.
Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and adds a concentrated tomato flavor.
One reader, Bevan Storm says:
This shrimp pasta with bacon recipe is a game-changer! The combination of succulent shrimp, crispy bacon, and flavorful tomatoes creates a mouthwatering dish that's simply irresistible. The blend of Italian seasoning and spinach adds a delightful twist. It's a must-try for any seafood lover!
Key Techniques for Perfecting Shrimp Pasta With Bacon
How to cook the pasta: Boil the fettuccine in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. How to cook the bacon: Brown the bacon in a skillet until crisp, then drain and reserve 1 tablespoon of drippings. How to sauté the garlic and onion: Cook the garlic and onion in the reserved bacon drippings until the onion becomes translucent. How to cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque. How to wilt the spinach: Place the spinach in the skillet, cover, and cook until just wilted. How to thicken the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste to create a thicker sauce.
How To Make Shrimp Pasta With Bacon
Whip up a tasteful plate of this shrimp pasta, loaded with plump shrimp and crispy bacon, simmered in a savory tomato sauce, for a fuller meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12ozdry fettuccine pasta,(1 package)
- 4bacon slices,chopped
- 1tbspbacon drippings
- olive oil
- 3garlic cloves,chopped
- ½small onion,chopped
- 14ozmedium shrimp,frozen, shelled and deveined, thawed and patted dry
- 2tspItalian seasoning
- ground black pepper,to taste
- 14.5oztomatoes with juice,(1 can), diced
- 4cupsbaby spinach leaves
- 1tbsptomato paste
Instructions
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Fill a large pot with lightly salted water, then bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the fettuccine and return to a boil.
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Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes until the pasta has cooked through. Drain well in a colander, then let set in the sink.
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Brown the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until crisp. Stir occasionally. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings.
-
Pour the olive oil into the skillet. Stir in the garlic and onion, then cook for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
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Stir in the shrimp, and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes just until pink and opaque.
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Mix in the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and diced tomatoes then cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half.
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With a spoon, move the shrimp to the outside of the skillet. Place the spinach in the center of the skillet, cover, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until just wilted.
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Stir the spinach into the shrimp. Mix in the tomato paste for a thicker sauce.
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Serve over cooked fettuccine, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 615.01kcal
- Fat: 22.36g
- Saturated Fat: 6.20g
- Trans Fat: 0.06g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.32g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.64g
- Carbohydrates: 72.44g
- Fiber: 4.98g
- Sugar: 6.20g
- Protein: 30.01g
- Cholesterol: 147.59mg
- Sodium: 805.59mg
- Calcium: 114.71mg
- Potassium: 739.32mg
- Iron: 2.91mg
- Vitamin A: 151.49µg
- Vitamin C: 19.36mg
Pro Tip for Enhancing Shrimp Pasta With Bacon
When cooking the shrimp, be sure not to overcook them as they can become tough and lose their delicate flavor. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in 2 to 3 minutes. You'll know they're done when they turn pink and opaque. If you're unsure, cut into one; it should be white and opaque all the way through.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Shrimp Pasta With Bacon
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and devein shrimp in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for a large skillet to cook the entire dish in one pan, reducing the number of dishes to wash.
Quick cook: Use pre-cooked bacon to save time and eliminate the need to cook it from scratch.
Frozen shrimp: Consider using pre-peeled and deveined frozen shrimp for convenience and time-saving.
Store-bought sauce: Utilize store-bought tomato sauce or marinara to cut down on prep time and simplify the recipe.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp Pasta With Bacon Recipe
dry fettuccine pasta - Substitute with spaghetti squash: Spaghetti squash can be used as a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to pasta, providing a similar texture and absorbing the flavors of the dish.
bacon slices - Substitute with smoked turkey or chicken bacon: Smoked turkey or chicken bacon can provide a similar smoky flavor and crispy texture while being a leaner and lower-fat option.
bacon drippings - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to bacon drippings, adding a rich flavor to the dish.
garlic cloves - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, adding a unique taste to the dish.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks can provide a similar onion flavor with a hint of sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
medium shrimp - Substitute with chopped cooked chicken breast: Chopped cooked chicken breast can be used as a protein substitute, offering a versatile and flavorful alternative to shrimp.
italian seasoning - Substitute with dried oregano and basil: A combination of dried oregano and basil can replicate the flavors of Italian seasoning, adding a fragrant and herbaceous taste to the dish.
tomatoes with juice - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a convenient alternative, providing a similar texture and flavor to fresh tomatoes.
baby spinach leaves - Substitute with kale leaves: Kale leaves can be used as a substitute for baby spinach, offering a hearty and nutritious addition to the dish.
tomato paste - Substitute with sun-dried tomato paste: Sun-dried tomato paste can provide a concentrated and intense tomato flavor, adding depth to the dish.
Plating Ideas for a Stunning Shrimp Pasta Dish
Elevate the plating: Create a visually stunning presentation by arranging the shrimp and bacon pasta in a circular motion on the plate, ensuring each element is showcased beautifully.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley and basil over the pasta to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate, edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies to add an elegant and sophisticated touch to the dish.
Utilize contrasting textures: Consider adding a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top of the pasta to provide a delightful textural contrast.
Plate with precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the dish is presented with meticulous attention to detail.
Use high-quality serving ware: Select elegant, high-quality serving dishes and utensils to enhance the overall presentation of the shrimp and bacon pasta.
Consider the color scheme: Aim for a visually appealing color palette by incorporating vibrant ingredients and complementary hues in the presentation.
Emphasize the shrimp: Position the shrimp as the focal point of the dish, ensuring they are prominently displayed and easily visible to the diner.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shrimp Pasta
- Large pot: A large, deep pot is essential for boiling the pasta.
- Colander: Used for draining the cooked pasta.
- Skillet: A large skillet is used for cooking the bacon, shrimp, and sauce.
- Spoon: A spoon is needed for stirring and serving the dish.
- Knife: A knife is used for chopping the garlic, onion, and other ingredients.
- Cutting board: Used for chopping and preparing ingredients such as garlic and onion.
- Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used for accurately measuring out the Italian seasoning and black pepper.
- Tongs: Tongs are useful for handling the shrimp and spinach while cooking.
- Grater: A grater may be used for grating cheese to sprinkle over the finished dish.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Shrimp Pasta
- Allow the shrimp pasta to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the shrimp pasta, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of when it was frozen.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen shrimp pasta, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- To reheat, place the thawed shrimp pasta in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it's heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce.
- Note: The shrimp may become slightly tough or rubbery after freezing and reheating, but the overall flavor of the dish should remain delicious.
- If you plan on making this dish ahead of time for a gathering, it's best to prepare the sauce and pasta separately. Cook the pasta just before serving and toss it with the reheated sauce for the best texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Shrimp Pasta With Bacon
Reheat the shrimp pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
For a quick and easy method, reheat individual portions of the shrimp pasta in the microwave. Place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth, and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated to your liking.
If you have an oven-safe skillet, you can reheat the shrimp pasta in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skillet with the pasta on the middle rack and heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through and the shrimp is warm.
For a crispy twist, reheat the shrimp pasta under the broiler. Preheat the broiler on high. Spread the pasta evenly on a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the pasta is heated through. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
If you have a steam oven or a double boiler, you can gently reheat the shrimp pasta using steam. This method helps maintain the texture of the shrimp and prevents the pasta from drying out. Steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
Interesting Trivia About Shrimp Pasta Dishes
The shrimp pasta with bacon recipe is a delicious combination of flavors and textures. It brings together the savory taste of bacon, the succulent shrimp, and the richness of the pasta. This dish is a great source of protein, and the spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily customized with additional ingredients such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or Parmesan cheese. Enjoying this dish with a glass of white wine can further enhance the dining experience.
Is Making Shrimp Pasta With Bacon Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this shrimp pasta with bacon recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. Shrimp and bacon can be pricier items, but the dish can stretch to serve four people. The addition of spinach and tomatoes adds nutritional value and balances the cost. Overall, this recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying meal, earning a solid 8/10 rating. The approximate cost for a household of four people can range from $20 to $25, making it a reasonable option for a delicious and filling dinner.
Is Shrimp Pasta With Bacon Healthy or Unhealthy?
This shrimp pasta with bacon recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like shrimp, which is a lean protein source, and spinach, which is packed with vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes also provide beneficial lycopene and other antioxidants. However, the recipe also contains less healthy components, such as bacon and bacon drippings, which are high in saturated fat and sodium. The pasta itself is a refined carbohydrate, which can cause blood sugar spikes and provide fewer nutrients compared to whole-grain alternatives.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the bacon with a leaner protein source, such as grilled chicken or turkey bacon, to reduce the saturated fat content
- Use whole-grain or legume-based pasta instead of regular fettuccine to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of bacon drippings and olive oil used in the recipe to lower the overall fat content
- Increase the amount of spinach and other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to boost the dish's nutrient density
- Use low-sodium diced tomatoes and omit the added salt to reduce the sodium content
- Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt or fat
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This shrimp pasta with bacon recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The smoky bacon adds depth to the dish, while the juicy shrimp and tangy tomatoes create a harmonious balance. The addition of spinach provides a pop of color and freshness, elevating the overall appeal. The use of fettuccine pasta allows for a hearty and satisfying meal. The recipe's simplicity and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
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Why trust this Shrimp Pasta With Bacon Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying meal. The succulent shrimp pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon and vibrant spinach. The addition of tomatoes with juice and garlic infuses the dish with rich, savory notes. The use of Italian seasoning and black pepper enhances the overall taste, while the incorporation of tomato paste creates a lusciously thick sauce. Trust in the expertise of this recipe to deliver a delectable and memorable dining experience.
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