Description
Irresistible cheesy shrimp, sausage & bacon pasta brings classic comfort to dinner tables with bold flavors and creamy indulgence. Seafood lovers will crave this hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines rich proteins and silky sauce for a memorable meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Base and Seasonings:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until perfectly tender, about 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Activate a large skillet over medium-high heat with a whisper of olive oil. Render bacon pieces until gloriously crisp and golden, extracting them with a perforated utensil. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce sausage slices and caramelize until rich brown edges emerge.
- Transfer sausage alongside bacon. Within the same fragrant pan, introduce shrimp and sear approximately 2 minutes per side, transforming them into translucent coral specimens.
- Reduce heat and welcome diced onions, sweating them until translucent. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for 60 seconds. Stream heavy cream, initiating a gentle simmer. Gradually melt Parmesan and mozzarella until a velvety sauce materializes.
- Reunite pasta, proteins, and sauce in a harmonious dance. Sprinkle dried herbs, salt, and cracked pepper. Gently fold ingredients, warming thoroughly for 2-3 minutes.
- Cascade fresh parsley across the surface. Serve piping hot, immediately presenting a symphony of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Customize protein choices by swapping shrimp with chicken or using plant-based sausage for vegetarian alternatives.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium bacon and reducing added salt, perfect for heart-conscious diners.
- Make the dish gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or certified gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Elevate leftover potential by storing sauce separately and reheating gently to prevent cheese separation and maintain creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 497 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 625 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg