Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Pasta Dish

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s perfect for when you’re craving something indulgent yet fresh—Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara.

This dish combines the rich, creamy goodness of classic carbonara with tender shrimp and crisp asparagus for a meal that’s both comforting and vibrant.

It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and feels fancy enough for a special dinner but easy enough for a weeknight meal. Let’s get started!

What’s in This Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara?

Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, and pancetta or bacon. In this version, we’re adding succulent shrimp and fresh asparagus to create a dish that’s even more flavorful and satisfying.

The creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta, while the shrimp and asparagus add a touch of elegance and a pop of color. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress, whether you’re cooking for yourself or for guests.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara:

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for the pasta water)

For the Carbonara:

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 4 slices bacon (chopped, or use pancetta for a more authentic touch)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make this creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help create the creamy sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet—it’s full of flavor!

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp and Asparagus

In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside. Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 4: Make the Carbonara Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the asparagus. Toss everything together to combine. Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, stirring constantly.

The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Add the Shrimp and Bacon

Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and crispy bacon. Give everything a final toss to combine.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: About 30 minutes

Serving

This recipe makes 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Calories

Here’s a rough estimate of the calories per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: About 550-600 calories per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g

This dish is rich and satisfying, making it a great option for a hearty meal.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t overcook the eggs: Make sure to remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs.
• Use high-quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has more flavor than pre-grated cheese.
• Add veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like peas or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it ahead: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time to make cooking even quicker.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara because it’s the perfect balance of rich and fresh. The creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and tender shrimp make it indulgent, while the asparagus adds a bright, crisp contrast.

It’s a dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! It’s a dish that’s sure to impress and become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy!