Shrimp Carbonara

Name: Shrimp Carbonara
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound uncooked spaghetti; 4 large egg yolks, room temperature; 1-1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 ounces chopped pancetta; 1 pound uncooked shrimp (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined; 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided; 5 garlic cloves, minced; Freshly cracked black pepper, for serving

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Cook: 15 min.

Yield 8 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

This shrimp carbonara delivers restaurant-style flavor at home, with tender shrimp, crispy pancetta and al dente spaghetti tossed in a creamy, cheesy egg-based sauce.

Ingredients

1 pound uncooked spaghetti
4 large egg yolks, room temperature
1-1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 ounces chopped pancetta
1 pound uncooked shrimp (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
5 garlic cloves, minced
Freshly cracked black pepper, for serving

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1-1/2 cups pasta water; drain remaining.
In a small bowl, combine egg yolks and 3/4 cup grated cheese; set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until crisp, 6-7 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.
Season shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add to skillet with pancetta grease; cook 2-3 minutes per side or until shrimp is no longer pink. Remove from pan, keep warm.
In the same skillet, add garlic, cook one minute longer. Add reserved 1-1/2 cups pasta water; bring to a simmer. Add spaghetti, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Reduce heat to low; stir in egg and cheese mixture. Toss with tongs until sauce has thickened. Add cooked pancetta back to the pan; toss to combine.
Serve carbonara in bowls; top with shrimp and remaining 1/2 cup grated cheese. Top with additional freshly ground black pepper, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 407 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 183mg cholesterol, 785mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.

Carbonara is made even more hearty with the addition of juicy shrimp. Just like the egg-based sauce, the seafood cooks up in mere minutes. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan

Recipe Creator