Flavorful Shrimp & Bacon Pasta Aglio e Olio
Flavorful Shrimp & Bacon Pasta Aglio e Olio
Kitchen Clean-Out Challenge: Simple Shrimp & Bacon Pasta Recipe
Today, I decided to whip up some Shrimp and Bacon Pasta Aglio e Olio – a dish that really tickles the taste buds! I’ve been focusing on my health lately and steer clear of pasta, but the craving today was just too strong to resist. So, I used the bare minimum ingredients I had in the fridge to create this simple yet delicious meal. The star ingredients are cocktail shrimp from my freezer and the bacon my husband often uses for his chicken wraps. Let’s dive into how to make this easy and flavorful Shrimp & Bacon Pasta together!
Main Ingredients- Fettuccine pasta, 2 servings (approx. 200g)
- Thick-cut bacon, 2 slices (approx. 50g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Frozen cocktail shrimp, 100g, thawed and patted dry
- Minced garlic, 2 Tbsp
- 2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 medium onion (approx. 80g), thinly sliced
- 35g button mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 handful fresh spinach
- 2 fresh eggs
- Extra virgin olive oil, a drizzle
- Herb salt (garlic flavor), to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Dried parsley flakes, for garnish
- 2 slices processed cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Here’s a handy tip for measuring pasta if you don’t have a scale or pasta measure: Hold a portion of dried pasta between your thumb and index finger. If it forms a circle about the size of a 500-won coin, that’s roughly one serving. For two servings, you’ll need twice that amount!
Step 2
Bring a generous pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil to the water. The olive oil helps prevent the pasta from sticking together as it cooks.
Step 3
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the fettuccine and cook for exactly 8 minutes. It’s crucial not to overcook it, as it will be sautéed with the sauce later. Drain the pasta using a colander. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water – this starchy water is gold for creating a smooth sauce consistency. While it’s sometimes recommended to toss cooked pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, since we added oil to the boiling water, you can skip this if you prefer.
Step 4
Briefly blanch the bacon in boiling water to remove excess salt and fat. Then, quickly dip the cocktail shrimp in boiling water once or twice to par-cook them and reduce any fishy odor. Rinse them under cold water and set aside.
Step 5
In a large skillet or pan, heat a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently, infusing the oil with its aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic – slow and steady wins the race here.
Step 6
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped red chilies and the prepared cocktail shrimp. Sauté for a minute or two until the shrimp start to turn pink. Then, add the cut bacon and continue to sauté until it’s nicely browned and slightly crispy.
Step 7
When the bacon and shrimp are golden brown, add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften and release their moisture. The sweetness of the onions and the earthy flavor of the mushrooms will create a wonderful depth. I like to keep a slight bite in my onions, so I only sauté them briefly.
Step 8
With the ingredients nicely sautéed, season with herb salt (garlic flavor) and freshly ground black pepper. It’s best to season gradually, as you can always add more later. This ensures the natural flavors of the ingredients shine through.
Step 9
Pour in about 1 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water into the pan with the sautéed ingredients. Bring this mixture to a simmer. The pasta water will help emulsify the sauce and allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, coating the pasta.
Step 10
As the sauce begins to bubble, add the drained fettuccine pasta. Toss and sauté everything together for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the delicious sauce. For an extra creamy touch, you can stir in 2 slices of processed cheese at this stage. While this is essentially an Aglio e Olio style pasta, adding cheese transforms it into a richer, more comforting dish. If you prefer a cleaner, lighter flavor, simply omit the cheese.
Step 11
As the cheese melts and blends with the sauce, it creates a wonderfully creamy texture and a rich visual appeal, reminiscent of a cream-based pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 12
Transfer the finished Shrimp & Bacon Pasta to serving plates. Garnish generously with dried parsley flakes and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal. Since I was sharing this with my husband, I plated both servings on a large platter.
Step 13
For a delightful finish, top each serving with a fried egg cooked sunny-side up or with a firm yolk. The richness of the egg yolk complements the pasta beautifully. Ultimately, I believe the best cooking is about making food that you genuinely enjoy and that brings you happiness. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite ingredients to create your own perfect dish. Wishing you a delicious and joyful meal tonight!
