Shrimp Carbonara Pasta Casserole

There’s something incredibly comforting about combining creamy pasta with succulent shrimp and a crispy bacon topping. This Shrimp Carbonara Pasta Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings all those elements together in one delicious, easy-to-make dish. Imagine tender fettuccine or spaghetti enveloped in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, studded with juicy shrimp and bits of savory turkey bacon, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings and will quickly become a family favorite.

Reasons to Love Shrimp Carbonara Pasta Casserole

• Easy to prepare: One casserole dish does the heavy lifting, making cleanup a breeze.
• Flavor-packed: The creamy sauce combined with garlic, pepper, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
• Protein-packed: Shrimp and turkey bacon add a healthy dose of protein that keeps you full and energized.
• Versatile: Use spaghetti or fettuccine, and feel free to customize with your favorite herbs and veggies.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves a cheesy, creamy pasta bake, especially when shrimp is involved.

The Essentials

• 8 ounces pasta: Spaghetti or fettuccine work beautifully as the base for this casserole.
• 1 pound shrimp: Peeled and deveined for convenience and tenderness.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that’s essential to carbonara.
• 1/2 cup turkey bacon, chopped: Turkey bacon offers a smoky, crisp texture without overpowering the shrimp.
• 3 large eggs: Helps thicken the sauce and adds richness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a subtle punch of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked for a bit of heat.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors just right.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing garlic and turkey bacon to perfection.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness for garnish.

What’s in the Gear List

• Large pot: To boil pasta efficiently.
• Large skillet: For sautéing shrimp, garlic, and turkey bacon.
• Mixing bowl: To combine eggs, cream, and Parmesan.
• 9×13-inch casserole dish: Perfect size for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Colander: To drain pasta after boiling.

Shrimp Carbonara Pasta Casserole in Steps

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and shrimp.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic, Turkey Bacon, and Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped turkey bacon. Cook until the bacon is crisp and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp and sauté until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Carbonara Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This mixture will create the rich sauce that binds the casserole.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp, garlic, and turkey bacon. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and gently toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Dietary Swaps & Alternatives

• Pasta: Swap spaghetti or fettuccine for gluten-free pasta if desired.
• Turkey bacon: Use beef bacon or chicken bacon as alternatives.
• Heavy cream: Substitute with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Cheese: Use Pecorino Romano or a vegan Parmesan alternative for a twist.
• Shrimp: Replace with scallops or firm white fish for different seafood flavors.

If You’re Curious

This Shrimp Carbonara Pasta Casserole is inspired by the classic Italian carbonara, traditionally made with pancetta and eggs. Here, turkey bacon serves as a lighter, flavorful alternative that pairs beautifully with shrimp. The casserole format turns this creamy pasta favorite into a hands-off baked dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

• Carbonara sauce is typically made without cream, but adding it here enhances creaminess and helps the casserole hold together.
• Fresh parsley isn’t just for garnish—it adds a lovely herbal note that balances the richness.
• For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

This casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in the microwave or oven to preserve the creamy texture. It also freezes well — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• For meal prep, portion the casserole into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
• Add a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Reheat covered with foil in the oven to prevent drying out.

Shrimp Carbonara Pasta Casserole FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this casserole?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture for the best sautéed texture.

Is it okay to use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, you can use regular bacon if preferred. It will add a richer, smokier flavor, so adjust the salt accordingly as bacon can be quite salty.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the fridge.

What can I serve with this Shrimp Carbonara Pasta Casserole?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For more creamy seafood pasta inspiration, check out the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Linguine or Shrimp And Spinach Creamy Rigatoni.

Quick Weeknight Wins

• Cheesy Bbq Chicken Pasta Casserole – Another easy, crowd-pleasing pasta bake loaded with smoky BBQ flavors.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Linguine – For when you want a bit of spice with your creamy shrimp pasta.
• Shrimp And Spinach Creamy Rigatoni – A quick and delicious way to add greens to your creamy seafood pasta.

That’s a Wrap

This Shrimp Carbonara Pasta Casserole is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings creamy carbonara goodness together with tender shrimp and crispy turkey bacon. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and seafood elegance, all baked into one hearty meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a simple dinner that impresses, this casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So grab your favorite pasta, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy creamy, cheesy bliss with every bite!

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