Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara a Springtime Spin on a Classic
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara that's ready in under 45 minutes? Honestly, who doesn't love a bit of spring on their plate? This recipe is seriously easy.
It brings a light, fresh spin to the classic, creamy pasta dish.
Brief Overview
Carbonara, traditionally from Italy, is pure comfort food. But adding shrimp and asparagus? That's next level! This recipe is medium difficulty.
It serves four. It will become one of your favorite Spring Pasta Recipes .
Main Benefits
This Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara is packed with protein, thanks to the shrimp. Asparagus gives you a vitamin boost. It's perfect for a Dinner Ideas With Seafood or a weekend treat.
What makes it special? It's fancy, yet comforting.
Why This Recipe Rocks
Ever feel like serving up an Elegant Seafood Dinner , but you're short on time? I get it! I've been there, staring into the fridge, wondering what to magic up.
That's how I landed on this Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara recipe.
Is It Really That Easy?
Honestly, yes! Okay, Asparagus Carbonara Recipe can sound intimidating. Especially if you're worried about scrambling the eggs. Trust me, with a few simple tricks, it's foolproof.
Remember to reserve some pasta water! It's like magic for creating that creamy sauce. You can find the specific steps down the recipe.
This Dish Is a Real Crowd Pleaser
Looking for Shrimp Recipes For A Crowd that isn't just another shrimp cocktail? This is it. I served this at my last garden party.
It was a total hit. Even my super picky cousin, the one who only eats beige food, devoured it!
What Goes With It?
Thinking about Sides To Go With Seafood like this Seafood Carbonara ? A simple green salad is always a winner.
Crusty garlic bread? Oh my gosh, yes! And maybe a crisp glass of white wine. Perfect!
Ready to look into In?
So, there you have it. A Creamy Shrimp Pasta recipe that's easier than you think. It is bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Right, so you wanna whip up this amazing Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara? Sorted! Let's get down to what you'll need. Honestly, it's not as complicated as some fancy shrimp dinner recipes out there.
This is achievable!
Main Ingredients: The Starry Line-Up
- Spaghetti (or linguine): 1 pound (450g) . Go for a good quality brand. It really makes a difference, you know ?
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: 1 pound (450g) . Fresh is best, obviously! Look for firm, plump shrimp that smell fresh, not fishy. If frozen, thaw them completely before cooking. No one wants dodgy prawns, right?
- Asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces: 1 pound (450g) . Fresh is key here! The stalks should be firm and bright green.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Use good quality olive oil.
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves . I love garlic. Don't be shy!
- Red pepper flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon . For a bit of a kick. I love a bit of zing!
- Egg yolks: 4 large . These are the heart of the carbonara.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: 1/2 cup (50g) . Get proper Parmesan, not that pre-grated stuff. Honestly, it tastes so much better.
- Grated Pecorino Romano cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) . This adds a lovely salty tang.
- Pancetta or bacon, diced: 4 ounces (115g) . I prefer pancetta, but bacon works just fine. Crispy bacon is a must!
- Reserved pasta water: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Don't forget to save this! It's liquid gold for your sauce.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste. Seasoning is everything!
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
Essential spice combination, we need garlic. It elevates the dish to another lever! Flavour enhancers and aromatics! Use Freshly ground black pepper! Substitutions are possible.
Try some chili for some kick in it!
This Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara recipe gives you the chance to present Dinner Ideas With Seafood to a crowd and be considered an Elegant Seafood Dinner
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Large pot: For cooking the pasta. A big one!
- Large skillet: For the shrimp, asparagus, and bacon.
- Whisk: For the sauce. A good one will make your life easier.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the ingredients.
- Tongs: For tossing the pasta and ingredients together.
That's it! Nothing too fancy. A good Asparagus Carbonara Recipe starts with simple tools! If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch.
And if you're missing a skillet, a frying pan will work just as well. Don't let the equipment hold you back from creating this masterpiece, even if it leads to Easy Carbonara Variations !
This recipe is really good as it it, but it can be also one of your favorite Shrimp Recipes For A Crowd .
Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread! You can see Sides To Go With Seafood .
Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara: Fancy Shrimp Dinner Sorted!
Right, fancy a taste of Italy with a springtime twist? Let's make Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara ! Honestly, this is one of those dinner ideas with seafood that's surprisingly easy, but looks and tastes like you've spent hours slaving away.
It is perfect for Shrimp Recipes For A Crowd . My aunt Carol used to make something similar for her garden parties - total crowd pleaser!
Prep Like a Pro
- Mise en place is KEY: Get everything chopped and ready. Chop 4 ounces (115g) pancetta or bacon, dice it . Then cut 1 pound (450g) asparagus into 1 inch pieces. Peel and devein 1 pound (450g) large shrimp. Grate those cheeses, about 1/2 cup (50g) of Parmesan and 1/4 cup (25g) of Pecorino Romano . Trust me, it's a game changer.
- Time saving tip: Use pre-cooked bacon or pancetta bits to save time.
- Safety first: Keep raw shrimp separate from everything else, you know? No cross contamination!
Cooking: Easy Peasy step-by-step
- Cook the pasta: Boil 1 pound (450g) spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. That water is gold, honestly!
- Sauté the shrimp and asparagus: Cook 2 cloves garlic, minced , in 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil until fragrant. Add shrimp and asparagus and cook until the shrimp is pink. About 3- 5 minutes.
- Crisp the bacon: Cook pancetta/bacon until crispy in a separate pan. Remove and set aside. Keep the fat in the pan.
- Whisk the sauce: Whisk together 4 large egg yolks , Parmesan, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Combine: Toss drained pasta in the pan with the bacon fat. Add the shrimp and asparagus. Remove from heat.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly add pasta water to the egg mixture, whisking like mad.
- Mix it all: Pour the egg mixture over the pasta. Toss quickly until creamy, but don't overcook the eggs! It should not become rubbery.
- Serve it up: Garnish with crispy bacon and parsley. Boom! Asparagus Carbonara Recipe at its best.
Pro Tips for a Chef's Kiss
- Don't skip the pasta water. It makes the sauce creamy and lovely.
- Work fast! The heat from the pasta cooks the eggs.
- Easy Carbonara Variations: Add a squeeze of lemon at the end for extra zing.
Honestly, once you nail this Seafood Carbonara , you'll feel like a right culinary whiz. It's the perfect Elegant Seafood Dinner and a real crowd pleaser.
You can serve this as a Spring Pasta Recipes . Don't forget some Sides To Go With Seafood . How about some fresh bread and a crisp salad? Enjoy!
Alright, let's talk about making this Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara recipe sing! It's more than just throwing ingredients together. Honestly, it's about creating a whole experience.
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Level Up That Fancy Shrimp Dinner!
Presentation is key! Want to impress your mates? Plate your Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara in warmed bowls. Twirl the pasta into a nest.
Then arrange the shrimp and asparagus artfully on top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of colour. Oh my gosh, don't forget the extra parmesan.
Thinking of sides to go with seafood ? A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
Crusty garlic bread is always a winner. For drinks, a crisp Pinot Grigio is your best bet. It's an elegant seafood dinner , sorted! These Shrimp Recipes For A Crowd are always a plus.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! Pop your Creamy Shrimp Pasta into an airtight container. It'll be good in the fridge for up to 2 days .
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or water. This will stop it from drying out. I don't recommend freezing.
The sauce might split.
Variations: Easy Carbonara Variations
Fancy a change? Go veggie. Skip the shrimp and add mushrooms for a delicious twist. Want to try a Smoked Salmon Carbonara? It is a hit! This also is great for Spring Pasta Recipes .
Looking to cut carbs? Courgette noodles work a treat. Need a gluten-free option? gluten-free pasta is your friend. There are tons of Dinner Ideas With Seafood that start from this base.
Nutrition Basics: Feeling Good!
Okay, let's keep it real. Carbonara isn't exactly health food. But it's delicious . Each serving packs a good punch of protein from the shrimp and eggs.
You'll also get some vitamins from the asparagus. But let's be honest, it's also rich in fats and calories. Enjoy in moderation, eh?
So there you have it! Everything you need to make this Asparagus Carbonara Recipe your own. Experiment! Have fun! And don't be afraid to get a little bit messy.
With these tips, you're sure to nail that perfect Seafood Carbonara. This recipe is a banger. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My carbonara sauce is scrambled! What did I do wrong making my Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara?
Don't panic! Scrambled carbonara is a common woe. It usually happens when the eggs cook too quickly from the pasta's heat. Make sure you temper the eggs properly by slowly whisking in the reserved pasta water before adding the mixture to the pasta. Also, remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture.
Working quickly and constantly tossing is key!
Can I make Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara ahead of time?
Carbonara is best served immediately. While you can technically refrigerate leftovers, the sauce tends to thicken and the pasta can become a bit gloopy. It's one of those dishes that really shines when enjoyed fresh.
If you must prepare ahead, cook the shrimp and asparagus and the pancetta separately, then quickly assemble right before serving. But, trust me, fresh is best!
I'm not a fan of shrimp. What else can I use in this Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara recipe?
No worries, mate! You've got options. Chicken or scallops would work beautifully as a substitute for shrimp. Smoked salmon also adds a lovely, sophisticated twist. Or, for a vegetarian version, try mushrooms or grilled halloumi. Consider the cooking times of your alternatives, and adjust the recipe accordingly.
Is Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara healthy? Can I make it healthier?
Let's be honest, carbonara is more of an indulgent treat than a health food! However, you can certainly lighten it up. Use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of pancetta or bacon, and add more vegetables like spinach or peas.
You could also use Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk in place of some of the egg yolks for a lower fat sauce. Every little bit helps!
What's the best way to store leftover Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara?
If you have leftovers (though, let's be real, will you?), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 1-2 days. Reheating carbonara can be tricky as the sauce can separate. Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream, stirring constantly.
Microwaving isn't really recommended, unless you enjoy a rubbery texture.
I'm having a dinner party! How can I scale this Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara recipe for a larger group?
Scaling up is straightforward! Just multiply the ingredients proportionally. However, carbonara is best made in smaller batches to ensure the sauce cooks properly, so it would be wise to make the recipe 2-3 times than it would be making one huge batch.
Keep the cooked pasta warm while you prepare the carbonara in batches, and then gently combine everything together before serving. Presenting it in a large serving bowl makes for a great presentation and will wow your guests!
Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara A Springtime Spin On
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 0g |