Bacon Shrimp Pasta

Bacon Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish with succulent shrimp, crispy bacon, and a creamy, garlic-infused sauce. The pasta is perfectly coated in a rich blend of flavors, with each bite offering a delightful mix of smoky, savory goodness.

Why Bacon Shrimp Is So Popular

Bacon shrimp is the epitome of comfort food, blending the best of land and sea. The salty, crispy bacon enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and works beautifully in countless dishes.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Bacon Shrimp

To get the best results, follow these expert tips:

Choose Large Shrimp: Opt for jumbo or large shrimp (16-20 count per pound). Their size balances well with the bacon, ensuring they don’t overcook.

Use Thin-Sliced Bacon: Thin bacon cooks faster and crisps up nicely without leaving the shrimp overcooked.

Pre-Cook the Bacon: Partially cook the bacon before wrapping the shrimp. This ensures a crispy texture without drying out the shrimp.

Secure with Toothpicks: Prevent the bacon from unwrapping during cooking by securing it with toothpicks.

Season Smartly: Use seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a dash of cayenne pepper to elevate the flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the shrimp and bacon.

Variations of Bacon Shrimp

Bacon shrimp is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste preferences:

Stuffed Bacon Shrimp: Fill the shrimp with cream cheese, jalapeños, or crab meat before wrapping them in bacon.

Glazed Bacon Shrimp: Brush the bacon with maple syrup, honey, or a spicy Sriracha glaze for a sweet and savory twist.

Herb-Crusted: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or thyme for added aroma and flavor.

Air-Fried Bacon Shrimp: Use an air fryer for a healthier version with all the crunch of traditional frying.

Spicy Kick: Sprinkle the shrimp with chili powder or drizzle with hot sauce for extra heat.

How to Serve Bacon Shrimp

Bacon shrimp is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:

• As an Appetizer: Serve on a platter with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, cocktail sauce, or a tangy mustard dip.
• On Skewers: Thread the shrimp onto skewers for an easy-to-eat party snack.
• Over Salads: Add them to a bed of mixed greens, avocado, and cherry tomatoes for a smoky protein boost.
• Tacos or Wraps: Toss bacon shrimp into tortillas with slaw and avocado for an irresistible taco night.
• With Pasta: Pair the shrimp with creamy Alfredo sauce and fettuccine for a decadent dinner.
• On a Charcuterie Board: Include them as a standout feature alongside cheeses, fruits, and nuts.

How to Store Bacon Shrimp

To enjoy your bacon shrimp leftovers safely, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Store cooked bacon shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to retain the crispiness of the bacon.

Recipe FAQs

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp?

While pre-cooked shrimp can be used, raw shrimp is ideal for this recipe. Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when reheated with bacon.

What Bacon Works Best?

Thin-cut bacon works best because it crisps up quickly. Avoid thick-cut bacon unless you pre-cook it longer.

Can I Cook Bacon Shrimp on the Grill?

Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky char to the dish. Use medium heat and turn frequently to ensure even cooking.

Can I Make Bacon Shrimp Keto-Friendly?

Yes! This recipe is naturally keto-friendly. Pair it with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

How Do I Prevent Bacon from Falling Off?

Use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the shrimp. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Yield: 4

Bacon Shrimp

Print

Bacon Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish with succulent shrimp, crispy bacon, and a creamy, garlic-infused sauce. The pasta is perfectly coated in a rich blend of flavors, with each bite offering a delightful mix of smoky, savory goodness.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped.

Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of water (use a lid to speed things up). Add salt and spaghetti. Cook one minute less than the package suggests.
2. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water, then drain.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook bacon over medium-high for 4-5 minutes until crispy.
4. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings.
5. Lower the heat. Add butter to the bacon drippings. Once melted, sauté garlic and a bit of lemon zest for 2-3 minutes. (Don’t let the garlic brown!)
6. Stir in white wine and lemon juice. Let it boil briefly. Add ½ cup of pasta water, then season with salt and pepper.
7. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often.
8. Remove from heat and stir the bacon back into the sauce.
9. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
10. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
11. Sprinkle with parsley and extra lemon zest for a fresh finish.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 387Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 175mgSodium 2870mgCarbohydrates 28gFiber 1gSugar 8gProtein 25g

Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Final Thoughts

This bacon shrimp recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely mouthwatering. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual dinner, a festive holiday gathering, or as a surprise treat, it’s a guaranteed hit. Plus, the endless variations and serving possibilities mean you’ll never tire of this classic dish.

Make it today and discover why bacon shrimp is the perfect combination of indulgence and simplicity!