- Bacon - perfect for adding savory flavor to your dish
- Shrimp - delicious and protein-rich, great for seafood lovers
- Scampi sauce - made with garlic, butter, and white wine, enhancing the taste of pasta
- Fettuccine pasta - a classic choice for this recipe, ensuring a hearty meal
- Garlic cloves - essential for creating that robust scampi flavor
- White wine - adds depth to the sauce, making it more palatable
- Fresh parsley - for garnishing and adding freshness
- Lemon zest - enhances the overall flavor profile
- Red pepper flakes (optional) - for an extra kick of heat
- Olive oil - used for cooking and enhancing taste
- Salt - essential for seasoning
- Black pepper - for added depth in flavor
Steps
### Bacon Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe: A Flavorful Italian Delight
#### Introduction to Bacon Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Bacon shrimp scampi pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make Italian dish that combines the smoky flavor of bacon, succulent shrimp, and tangy garlic sauce. This recipe will guide you through creating this mouthwatering meal with detailed steps.
#### Ingredients Needed:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 4 large cloves of garlic, minced
- 8 oz (about 16 slices) bacon, chopped
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 cups chicken or seafood stock
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
##### Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. **Boil Water**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. **Add Pasta**: Add your spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
##### Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
1. **Sauté Bacon**: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain.
2. **Cook Garlic**: Pour out most of the bacon fat but leave about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Return the pan to medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
##### Step 3: Cook Shrimp
1. **Add Butter and Oil**: In a separate skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil.
2. **Sear Shrimp**: Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
##### Step 4: Make Scampi Sauce
1. **Deglaze Pan**: Pour in white wine (if using) and chicken stock into the pan with garlic, scraping up any browned bits.
2. **Reduce Liquid**: Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
##### Step 5: Combine and Serve
1. **Combine Pasta and Sauce**: Add cooked pasta to the scampi sauce and toss well, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
2. **Add Bacon and Shrimp**: Return bacon and shrimp to the pan and mix thoroughly.
3. **Garnish with Herbs**: Stir in chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Toss again until everything is evenly coated.
##### Step 6: Serve
1. **Plating**: Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
2. **Enjoy!**: Enjoy this delicious Bacon Shrimp Scampi Pasta!
#### Tips and Variations:
- **Substitute Seafood**: For a vegetarian version, substitute the shrimp with mushrooms or asparagus.
- **Add Heat**: Increase heat levels by adding more red pepper flakes.
- **Enhance Flavor**: Use high-quality ingredients for richer flavors.
By following these detailed steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality Bacon Shrimp Scampi Pasta at home. This recipe is perfect for those who love Italian cuisine and are looking to add some variety to their dinner menu. Enjoy your cooking!