This Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara is a yummy dish that combines tender shrimp and fresh asparagus with creamy pasta. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for busy evenings!
I love how the shrimp adds a nice flavor while the asparagus gives a pop of color. Plus, who can resist creamy pasta? It’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😄
Making this dish is a breeze! Just cook the pasta, toss in the ingredients, and you’ve got a delicious dinner that everyone will want seconds of. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used spaghetti, but fettuccine works great too! If gluten-free is your preference, you can easily swap it with gluten-free pasta like brown rice or quinoa pasta. Just be sure to cook according to the package instructions!
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is the best choice, but frozen shrimp works too—just thaw them before cooking. If you’re in need of a substitute, diced chicken or scallops could also pair nicely with this dish.
Asparagus: The fresh, tender asparagus adds a nice crunch. If it’s out of season, green beans or broccoli florets could be good replacements. Zucchini is another option for a lighter taste.
Pancetta/Bacon: I personally love pancetta for its rich flavor, but you can use regular bacon or turkey bacon for a leaner version. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using sautéed mushrooms for that umami kick!
Eggs: Large eggs are key to the creamy sauce. If you need a vegan option, you could try using silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast as an egg alternative, though it will have a different texture.
How Can I Make the Sauce Creamy Without Scrambling the Eggs?
Making a creamy carbonara sauce can be tricky, but the key is to act fast once the pasta is added to the skillet. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Once the pasta is drained, make sure the skillet is off the heat before adding the egg mixture.
- Quickly pour the egg, cheese, and pepper mixture over the hot pasta while vigorously tossing it. The residual heat from the pasta helps create that creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creaminess.
Stir really well to coat all the pasta evenly. It can take a little practice, but with these tips, you’ll get the hang of it!
How to Make Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
For the Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Carbonara Sauce:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara takes about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 15 minutes cooking all the ingredients and an additional 10 minutes on mixing and finishing touches. Quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add in the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Just before you drain it, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Pancetta:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced pancetta or bacon. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes crispy. Once done, take it out of the skillet and set it aside, but keep the drippings in the skillet for flavor!
3. Sauté the Asparagus:
Add the olive oil to the same skillet with the drippings. Toss in the asparagus pieces and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, just until they are tender. Once they look good, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Move the asparagus to one side of the skillet, and add the shrimp to the other side. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they’re pink and completely cooked through.
5. Prepare the Carbonara Sauce:
While the shrimp is cooking, take a bowl and whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper until everything is well combined.
6. Combine Everything:
Once the shrimp is fully cooked, add the reserved pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and asparagus. Take the skillet off the heat, and quickly pour the egg mixture over the pasta. Toss everything together quickly to coat the pasta and create a creamy sauce. If it looks a bit dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to get your desired consistency.
7. Finish Up:
Add the crispy pancetta back into the skillet and give it all a good mix. Taste your dish and add salt and more black pepper if you think it needs it.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Serve your Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Different Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and fettuccine are great options, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer, such as penne, linguine, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
What Can I Use Instead of Pancetta?
If you can’t find pancetta, bacon is a great substitute that will add similar flavor. You can also try turkey bacon for a lighter option, or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version—just make sure to add extra seasoning to compensate for the smokiness!
How Should I Store Leftover Carbonara?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce creamy. You can also use the microwave, but stir periodically to avoid hot spots.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or spinach for added color and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the asparagus until they are tender. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly!
