Get ready to indulge in a rich and creamy shrimp carbonara with a delectable twist of roasted garlic. This irresistible recipe combines succulent shrimp, perfectly roasted garlic, and a luxurious carbonara sauce for a dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy Shrimp Carbonara with Roasted Garlic

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Cuisine: Italian
Author: Scott Stokes

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic. Stir quickly to coat the shrimp.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.
9. Serve the creamy shrimp carbonara immediately and enjoy!

What is Carbonara?

Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that originated in Rome. It is a simple yet flavorful meal that traditionally consists of pasta, egg yolks, guanciale (cured pork cheek), Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. The dish has become popular all over the world and has been adapted to include different variations, such as adding chicken, bacon, or vegetables.

The Creamy Shrimp Carbonara with Roasted Garlic recipe is a unique twist on the traditional carbonara dish. It adds succulent shrimp and roasted garlic to create a flavorful, seafood-infused creamy carbonara.

The Perfect Roasted Garlic

Roasted garlic adds a delicious depth of flavor to many dishes, including the creamy shrimp carbonara. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to roast garlic to perfection:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cut off the top of a full head of garlic to expose the cloves.
3. Place the garlic head on a sheet of aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Wrap the garlic head tightly in the foil, making sure it is fully covered.
5. Place the wrapped garlic head in the oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, until the cloves feel soft when pressed.
6. Remove the garlic from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
7. Gently squeeze the cloves out of the head and use as desired in your carbonara or other dishes.

For a variation on roasted garlic, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the foil packet, or experiment with different types of oil for a unique flavor twist.

Cooking the Shrimp

Once the shrimp is cleaned and deveined, it’s time to cook it for the carbonara dish. There are several options for cooking shrimp, including sautéing, grilling, or boiling.

For this recipe, we recommend seasoning the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika, then sautéing it in a pan with olive oil until it turns pink and slightly firm to the touch. Be sure not to overcook it or it will become tough and rubbery.

If you prefer to grill the shrimp, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the shrimp with olive oil and your desired seasonings. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.

Whatever cooking method you choose, properly cooked shrimp is essential for the overall flavor and texture of the carbonara dish.

Making the Creamy Carbonara Sauce

Now that the shrimp and roasted garlic are ready, it’s time to move on to the creamy carbonara sauce. This rich and decadent sauce is what makes this dish so special.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:	Amount:
Eggs	2 large
Grated Parmesan cheese	1/2 cup
Heavy cream	1/2 cup
Salt and black pepper	To taste

To start, crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk them together. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk again until well combined. Then, stir in the heavy cream and mix until smooth.

Next, season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the Parmesan cheese is salty, so you may not need to add much additional salt.

Now you’re ready to add the creamy carbonara sauce to the shrimp and roasted garlic mixture. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Once everything is well combined, cook for another 1-2 minutes over low heat. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of pasta water.

There you have it, the perfect creamy carbonara sauce to complement the shrimp and roasted garlic in this delicious pasta dish!

Combining the Ingredients

Now that the shrimp is cooked and the creamy carbonara sauce is prepared, it’s time to combine all the ingredients together for the ultimate flavor experience!

Start by adding the cooked shrimp to the pan with the roasted garlic, making sure they are mixed together well. Next, pour the creamy carbonara sauce over the shrimp and stir everything together until it’s evenly coated.

It’s important to time this step perfectly so that the shrimp and sauce are still warm when they’re combined. This will allow the flavors to meld together even better. Don’t be afraid to give the mixture a little extra stir to ensure that the sauce is fully incorporated with the shrimp and roasted garlic.

Once everything is mixed together, it’s ready to serve!

Transfer the creamy shrimp carbonara onto plates or into bowls and top it with some extra grated cheese or freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or basil. Not only will this add an extra pop of color to your dish, but it will also add some depth to the flavor profile.

Enjoy your delicious, creamy shrimp carbonara with roasted garlic!

Serving and Garnishing

Once the creamy shrimp carbonara is cooked, it’s time to serve it up and add the finishing touches. Here are some tips for making your dish look and taste its best:

• Use a large serving dish to showcase the creamy pasta and shrimp.
• For an elegant touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top of the dish.
• Add a little extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
• Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread on the side for a well-rounded meal.

Remember that presentation is key to a memorable meal, so take your time and arrange the dish nicely before serving.

Wine Pairing Recommendations

Pairing wine with creamy shrimp carbonara can enhance the flavors of the dish and elevate the dining experience. Here are some recommended wine pairings to try:

• Chardonnay: A full-bodied white wine with buttery and oaky notes that complement the creaminess of the carbonara sauce.
• Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red wine with fruity and earthy undertones that pair well with the shrimp and roasted garlic.
• Vermentino: A crisp and refreshing white wine that cuts through the richness of the carbonara sauce and enhances the brininess of the shrimp.
• Barbera: A medium-bodied red wine with high acidity that balances the richness of the dish and brings out the roasted garlic flavors.

Remember to serve white wine chilled and red wine at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is carbonara a high-calorie dish?

A: Carbonara is a rich and indulgent dish, but its calorie content can vary depending on the ingredients used and portion size. Using lighter options for the sauce, such as low-fat cream or replacing some of the cheese with vegetables like zucchini or squash, can help reduce the calorie count.

Q: Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?

A: Absolutely! Carbonara can be customized with various proteins like chicken, bacon, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.

Q: How should I store leftover carbonara?

A: Carbonara is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to the pan to revive the creamy texture.

Additional tips:

Q: Can I freeze carbonara?

A: It is not recommended to freeze carbonara as the sauce may separate and the texture of the pasta can become mushy.

Q: What type of pasta is best for carbonara?

A: Spaghetti is the traditional pasta used for carbonara, but you can also use other long and thin noodles like linguine or fettuccine.

Q: Is it essential to use eggs in the carbonara sauce?

A: While eggs are a crucial ingredient in the authentic carbonara recipe, you can replace them with cream or a combination of cream and cheese if you prefer.