Bacon Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Rich and flavorful, this Bacon Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a decadent delight that will transport your taste buds to Italy. With crispy bacon, succulent shrimp, and a hint of citrus, this dish is sure to become a weeknight staple or special occasion showstopper.

Ready Time

45 mins

Yields

9 servings

Ingredients

fettuccine pasta 1 1/2 pounds
large shrimp 2 1/4 pounds, peeled and deveined
unsalted butter 1 1/2 sticks, softened
garlic 4 1/2 cloves, minced
fresh parsley 2 1/4 cups, chopped
fresh basil 1 1/8 cups, chopped
grated Parmesan cheese 1 1/2 cups
kosher salt 2 1/4 teaspoons
black pepper 1 1/8 teaspoons
crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon
thick-cut bacon 9 slices
white wine 1 1/2 cups
freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 cup

Instructions

Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then set aside.

In a large skillet, cook the thick-cut bacon over medium heat until crispy.

Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Leave the grease in the skillet and add the softened butter.

Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the large shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.

Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Add the white wine to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the shrimp and garlic mixture.

Stir in the chopped parsley, basil, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and toss to combine.

Return the cooked bacon to the skillet, tossing to combine with the pasta mixture.

Notes

Make sure to not overcook the shrimp, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. Use high-quality ingredients, like fresh herbs and real Parmesan cheese, to get the best flavor out of this dish.

Don’t skip the step of scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, as they add a ton of flavor to the sauce.

If you want a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or serve with hot sauce on the side. To make this recipe more substantial, add some sautéed vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to the skillet with the garlic.

Make sure to not overcook the pasta, as it can quickly become mushy and unappetizing.