Sunday, July 3, 2011

Creamy Pasta with Shrimp and Bacon


My family loves this dinner.  I love it because it is easy and complete in one dish.  The recipe comes from Cooking Light Magazine August 2006.  It calls for Fettuccine, but this last time I made it with whole wheat spaghetti because that's what I had on hand.

1 lb. uncooked fettuccine         
 2 bacon slices, uncooked  **I like 4 slices of bacon better ;)
1 lb. large shrimp                      
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed   **I only put about half that many peas.
1 cup shredded carrots   **I only put about half that many carrots.
2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk  **I use skim
2 Tbsp flour                             
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper                 
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided

1. Cook and drain pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.

2. Cook bacon till lightly crisped.  Remove bacon from pan.  Keep 1 Tbsp of drippings in pan. Crumble       bacon, set aside.

3.  Add shrimp and garlic to pan; saute over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.  Add peas and carrots, cook 2 minutes or just until shrimp is done.  Transfer shrimp  mixture to a large bowl, keep warm.

4.  Combine milk, flour, salt and pepper, stirring with whisk.  Add milk mixture to pan, cook over medium-high heat 3 minutes or until thickened and bubbly, stirring constantly with a whisk. 

5.  Remove pan from heat; add cheese, stirring until blended.

6.  Add milk mixture to shrimp mixture, stir until combined.  Add pasta and 1/2 of parsley, tossing gently to coat.  Transfer pasta to platter or pasta bowl(s).  Sprinkle with parsley and crumbled bacon.

***8 servings.  Serving size 1 1/4 cups.  Calories 382    
Fat 7.7     Protein 25g.     Carbs 52.9g     Fiber 3.6g

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