Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering culinary adventure with this irresistible Rotini with Shrimp and Bacon! Imagine a perfect harmony of crispy bacon, succulent shrimp, and tender pasta that will have your taste buds dancing with excitement. This restaurant-quality dish is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that you can easily create in your own kitchen in just 30 minutes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a recipe that combines classic Italian-inspired flavors with a delightful twist!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 oz of rotini pasta, 8 oz of peeled and deveined shrimp, 4 slices of chopped bacon, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and crispy bacon to the pasta and shrimp mixture. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the rotini with shrimp and bacon hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality shrimp and crisp bacon. The quality of ingredients makes a huge difference in this simple dish.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They should be pink and just opaque, which typically takes only 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps the ingredients stick together perfectly.
- If you want to add extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon or reduce the bacon quantity, and use a heart-healthy olive oil spray instead of measured olive oil.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be an excellent garnish to brighten up the dish and add a fresh element to the final presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 180mg
