Penne Pasta with Shrimp Bacon
Indulge in the perfect harmony of flavors with this Penne Pasta with Shrimp Bacon recipe—a comforting yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress! Tender penne pasta is tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with the bold flavors of sautéed garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes. Juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp and crispy, smoky bacon take this pasta to the next level, delivering a unique blend of surf-and-turf goodness in every bite. Finished with a garnish of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining. Serve it with crusty bread or a crisp side salad, and watch your family and guests swoon over this irresistible pasta dish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
In the same skillet, add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Add olive oil and butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked penne pasta, reserved bacon, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
698 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.2 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.6 g | 113% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 327 mg | 109% | |
| Sodium | 1332 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.9 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.6 g | ||
| Protein | 44.0 g | 88% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 316 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 399 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
