🍤 Shrimp and Bacon Alfredo Pasta

 

🍤 Shrimp and Bacon Alfredo Pasta

Creamy, smoky, and comforting — a perfect pasta for seafood and bacon lovers!

📝 Ingredients (1–2 servings)

• 70–80 g pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 slices beef bacon (or regular bacon)

• 8–10 shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ½ small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic seasoning or garlic powder

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Dried parsley, for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy and golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.

3️⃣ Sear the Shrimp
Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In the same skillet (with the bacon drippings for extra flavor), sear the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.

4️⃣ Make the Alfredo Sauce
Using the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté on low heat until fragrant and translucent. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Add the same seasoning blend to taste — smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

5️⃣ Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, bacon, and shrimp to the creamy sauce. Toss well until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

6️⃣ Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle dried parsley over the top and serve warm. Optionally, finish with freshly cracked black pepper or a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

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✨ Pro Tip: The combination of smoky bacon, juicy shrimp, and creamy sauce gives this dish restaurant-level flavor — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.