Shrimp Carbonara

I have been doing a lot of diary-free cooking lately because of my husband, so here is a twist on a classic Italian dish. Pasta Carbonara usually consists of eggs, cheese, bacon and black pepper, but I lightened and flavored it up a bit. I promise that you won't be disappointed. This makes a large amount, so I recommend this for a family dinner, party, or dividing the recipe in half.

Tips:

Reservations - Please remember to reserve the water you boil the pasta in; it will be used for thickening the sauce.
Stick to it - I suggest using a stick blender to make the sauce because it's quick,easy to clean and you don't get sore arms. If not a stick blender, a normal blender would be my second choice.

Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes  
Servings: 4-6 servings

1 pound dry pasta

1/2 pound bacon or turkey bacon, diced

1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 Tablespoon fresh basil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

2 teaspoons (3-4 cloves) garlic, minced

1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled, shelled and deveined

1 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon juice

3 eggs

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1) Prepare pasta according to manufacturer's instructions. Prepare the rest of the recipe while the pasta is cooking (DO NOT STRAIN).

2) In a large skillet, brown the bacon over medium heat until brown and crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside in a small bowl. 

3) Take about 1/4 cup of the pasta water and add it into the large skillet to deglaze the pan. Add the basil, pepper flakes, pepper, garlic and shrimp into the pan.

4) Cook the shrimp fully over medium high heat (2-3 minutes per sides) and transfer the shrimp into the same bowl as the bacon until the pasta is finished.

5) In a blender or a bowl using a stick blender, blend together the white wine, olive oil, lemon juice and eggs until the sauce is smooth and has a creamy appearance. While blending, slowly drizzle in a few tablespoons of pasta water to temper the egg mixture.

6) Strain the pasta (reserve some water just in case) and add it into the large skillet over medium high heat. Pout the egg mixture over the pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes.

7) Add the shrimp and bacon into the pan and cook until heated through. Remove the pan from heat allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes and top with Parmesan cheese.