Hello lovely friends! Ready for a dish that’s pure comfort in a bowl and oh-so-easy to make? This Garlic Butter Bacon Shrimp Alfredo is a real winner, and this version (v4!) is even more delightful. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want to treat yourself without any fuss.
We’re swapping out traditional bacon for a delicious turkey bacon option, keeping all the savory goodness and making it a bit lighter!
Here’s what you’ll need (serves 2-3):
8 oz linguine or fettuccine (your favorite pasta!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4-6 strips turkey bacon, diced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder if you prefer!)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half or heavy cream (half-and-half makes it lighter!)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Let’s get cooking! It’s simpler than you think: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but with a slight bite). Drain, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Crisp the Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced turkey bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the turkey bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the same skillet with the turkey bacon drippings. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the turkey bacon.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant – don’t let it burn!
- Creamy Goodness: Pour in the half-and-half (or cream) and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and crispy turkey bacon back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat everything. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve with Love: Divide the pasta between plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if you like.
Enjoy every delicious bite! This is a dish that brings smiles to the table. Let me know if you try it! ❤️ .