Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta features succulent shrimp and smoky turkey bacon tossed in a luscious plant-based cheese sauce brightened with apple cider vinegar. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish offers a rich, velvety texture and a perfect balance of garlic, tang, and savory flavors, making it ideal for any weeknight or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Main Ingredients
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 8 oz fettuccine or any long-cut pasta
Sauce Components
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy plant-based cream
- 3/4 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon slices and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside. In the same pan, season the shrimp with salt and pepper and sauté until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside with the bacon.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: Lower the heat slightly and add minced garlic to the pan. Cook gently until fragrant. Pour in the heavy plant-based cream and stir in the plant-based cheese, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Gradually whisk in the natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce without lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until just al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta for adjusting sauce consistency later if needed.
- Combine and Finish: Add the shrimp and crumbled turkey bacon back into the sauce. Toss in the drained pasta and gently mix. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid rubbery texture.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce creaminess perfectly.
- Simmer the sauce gently to prevent separation.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to keep their bright flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Creamy garlic shrimp pasta, plant-based cheese sauce, turkey bacon pasta, easy weeknight dinner, dairy-free creamy pasta