Shrimp carbonara is a delectable dish boasting salty pancetta, toothsome pasta and tender shrimp draped in an elegant but incredibly easy-to-make sauce of Parmesan and eggs. You can get this sumptuous Italian dish on the table in 30 minutes or less — equally great for a special occasion that calls for a splurge or a busy weeknight when comfort food is in order.
Pasta carbonara is a welcome upscale change from the usual tomato-based sauces served with pasta. In this dinner recipe, the carbonara sauce is a silky blend of eggs and cheese that clings to the fettuccine and shrimp, all punctuated with the flavors of pancetta, garlic, and herbs.
If you’ve never made shrimp carbonara, you’re going to be thrilled at how fast and easy it comes together. Use the time while your pasta is cooking to prepare the other ingredients. When it all comes together, you can just watch the sauce wrap itself around the other ingredients to know that this is going to be good. (Tip: Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to make it even more creamy!). Just season and garnish and dinner is served.
Available in rolls at butcher and deli counters, pancetta is usually sliced razor-thin for customers. If you want thicker slices, just let the butcher know when you order. (Bacon may also be substituted.)
When cooking with pancetta or bacon, you won’t need to add as much salt to your recipes. It’s best to taste and season with salt after the dish is cooked.
