Shrimp Cacio e Pepe

Shrimp cacio e pepe is a delicious variation of the classic Roman pasta dish cacio e pepe, but with the addition of succulent shrimp. The combination of creamy Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and tender shrimp creates a delightful and savory flavor profile.

If you’re a fan of classic Italian dishes, you’ve likely heard of Cacio e Pepe. This simple yet flavorful pasta dish is made with just a few ingredients: pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and butter. But have you ever tried adding shrimp to the mix?

Shrimp cacio e pepe is a delicious twist on the traditional recipe that adds a touch of seafood to the mix. The shrimp brings a briny flavor and tender texture that pairs perfectly with the sharp, salty Pecorino Romano cheese and spicy black pepper. Plus, it’s a quick and easy meal to make on a busy weeknight.

To make shrimp cacio e pepe, start by cooking your pasta until al dente. While the pasta cooks, sauté your shrimp in butter until pink and cooked through. Then, toss the pasta with the shrimp, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly ground black pepper. The result is a creamy, cheesy, and peppery dish that you won’t be able to resist.

Why You’ll Love This

• The creamy Pecorino Romano cheese sauce, infused with black pepper, creates a satisfyingly rich and savory flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent.

• The addition of tender shrimp brings a succulent and briny dimension to the classic cacio e pepe, making each bite a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

• With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe offers a sophisticated dish that can be prepared in a short amount of time, making it perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

• The combination of the cheese-covered pasta and the flavorful shrimp results in a harmonious dish where each element enhances the other, creating a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.

Key Ingredients Shrimp Cacio e Pepe

When it comes to making this delicious dish, the key ingredients are crucial. Here are the essential components you will need to make this dish:

Pasta

The pasta is the foundation of the dish, and it’s important to choose the right type of pasta. Spaghetti is the traditional choice for this dish, but you can use any long, thin pasta such as bucatini. The pasta should be cooked al dente, so it still has a bit of bite to it.

Cheese

The cheese is what gives this dish its rich, creamy flavor. You will need Pecorino Romano which is a salty, hard cheese that provides a tangy flavor.

Shrimp

The shrimp is the star of the dish, and it’s important to use fresh, high-quality shrimp. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure they are deveined and cleaned before cooking. The shrimp should be cooked until they are pink and succulent.

Seasonings

The seasonings are what give the dish its signature flavor. You will need salt, black pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper as garnish (optional). The cracked black pepper adds a bit of texture and a spicy kick.

To make the sauce, you will also need salted butter and pasta water. The pasta water is used to create a creamy sauce, while the butter adds richness and depth of flavor.

These key ingredients are what make shrimp cacio e pepe such a delicious and satisfying dish. By using high-quality ingredients and following the recipe carefully, you can create a dish that is sure to impress.

Preparation Method for Cacio e Pepe with Shrimp

Step 1

To start making shrimp cacio e pepe, you will need to cook the pasta. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water, as this will help to flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti or bucatini to the pot and cook it until it is al dente. This should take about8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you are using.

Make sure to reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta. This water will be used later to help emulsify the sauce.

Step 2

Sautee the salted shrimps for a couple of minutes on each sides. Try not to overcook them because they will become chewy and rubbery in texture. Set the aside and clean the skillet if you are reusing it for the sauce.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing the sauce. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook it until it is fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will give the sauce a bitter taste.

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook them until they are pink and cooked through, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Combining the Ingredients

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss the pasta in the skillet to coat it with the garlic and oil.

Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet, a little bit at a time, until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. The pasta water will help to emulsify the sauce and create a creamy consistency.

Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together. Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serve the shrimp cacio e pepe immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp cacio e pepe is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be served on its own or with some accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy this dish to the fullest.

Accompaniments

Green Salad

A simple green salad is a great way to balance out the richness of this cacio e pepe with shrimps. You can toss together some fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to create a refreshing side dish.

Lime Wedges

Lime wedges are a classic accompaniment to seafood dishes, and they work particularly well with shrimp cacio e pepe. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and pasta to add a bright, zesty flavor that complements the dish perfectly.

Garnishes

Garnishes are a great way to add some extra flavor and visual appeal to your plate. You can sprinkle some chopped parsley or lemon zest over the top of the pasta to add a pop of color and freshness.

Variations of Shrimp Cacio e Pepe

If you are a fan of cacio e pepe with shrimps, there are various ways to experiment with the recipe to create new and exciting dishes. Here are a few variations to consider:

Pasta Variations

You can use different types of pasta to create a unique twist on shrimp cacio e pepe. For example, you can use spaghetti, linguine, bucatini or fettuccine to create a classic version of the dish. Alternatively, you can use penne, farfalle, or rigatoni for a more modern take on the dish.

When it comes to cooking the pasta, make sure to follow the instructions on the package. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it’s cooked but still firm to the bite. This will ensure that the pasta has the perfect texture and won’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.

To add more flavor to the pasta, you can also cook it in a mixture of butter and olive oil. This will give the pasta a rich, buttery flavor that complements the shrimp and cheese perfectly.

Other Variations

In addition to experimenting with the type of pasta used in the dish, there are other ways to add variety to shrimp cacio e pepe.

Another way to add more flavor to the dish is to use different types of cheese. While Pecorino Romano is the traditional cheese used in cacio e pepe, you can also experiment with other types of hard, salty cheeses like Parmesan or Asiago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Shrimp Pasta Recipe To Try

• Spicy Parmesan Shrimp Pasta

If you tried this Shrimp Cacio E Pepe recipe or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below!