Tagliatelle with Shrimp, Pancetta, and Basil

Learn how to make this creamy shrimp pasta with pancetta and fresh basil in around 30 minutes. This Italian-inspired tagliatelle combines tender shrimp, crispy pancetta, and a rich garlic white wine sauce for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for both weeknight cooking and special occasions, this recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The one-pan sauce comes together quickly while the pasta cooks, making this an efficient and impressive dish that’s easier than it looks.

Why Make This Shrimp Tagliatelle

• Ready in 30 minutes
• Restaurant-quality results
• Perfect for both weeknights and special occasions
• Uses simple, readily available ingredients
• One-pan sauce for easy cleanup

Key Ingredients

• Tagliatelle pasta (or substitute fettuccine)
• Fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Diced pancetta
• White wine
• Heavy cream
• Fresh basil
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper

How to Make Creamy Shrimp and Pancetta Pasta

1. Cook the Pancetta: Crisp the pancetta in a large skillet until golden, and reserve the rendered fat for the sauce.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Cook shrimp in pancetta fat until pink and tender. Remove and set aside to prevent overcooking.
3. Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic in the same pan. Deglaze with white wine. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until thickened.
4. Combine and Finish: Toss cooked tagliatelle with the sauce. Add back shrimp and pancetta. Finish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Tips

• Use high-quality pancetta for the best flavor
• Don’t overcook the shrimp – they should be just pink
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
• Choose a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

Serving Suggestions

• Serve immediately while the sauce is hot
• Pair with a crisp white wine
• Add garlic bread on the side
• Consider a light salad to balance the rich pasta

Storage and Reheating

• Best served fresh
• Store leftovers for up to 2 days
• Reheat gently with a splash of cream
• Add fresh basil after reheating

This creamy shrimp pasta recipe combines classic Italian ingredients with simple techniques for a memorable meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or need a quick weeknight dinner, this tagliatelle with shrimp and pancetta delivers restaurant-worthy results every time. The recipe scales easily for larger groups, and most of the prep can be done in advance—just cook the pasta and finish the sauce when you’re ready to serve. Plus, the basic technique works well with other seafood like scallops or even chicken if you want to change things up.

Tagliatelle with Shrimp, Pancetta, and Basil

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

35

minutes

Tagliatelle with Shrimp, Pancetta, and Basil is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender shrimp, crispy pancetta, and a creamy white wine sauce, enhanced by the fresh aroma of basil. The dish delivers a balance of textures and flavors, with the shrimp’s sweetness, pancetta’s salty crunch, and the bright freshness of basil.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces tagliatelle noodles

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 cup pancetta, diced

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup white wine

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 cup basil leaves, torn

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

• Cook the Pasta:
  Cook the tagliatelle noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Cook the Pancetta:
  In a skillet, sauté the pancetta until crispy, 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Leave behind as much fat as possible in the pan.
• Cook the Shrimp:
  Season the shrimp on both sides with salt and ground black pepper. In the same skillet, add the extra virgin olive oil and shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
• Make the Sauce:
  Add the garlic and white wine to the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Simmer until the wine is reduced by about half, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and most of the Parmesan cheese, reserving some for serving. Simmer until the cheese and melted and the cream is incorporated into the sauce.
• Combine and Serve:
  Toss in cooked tagliatelle, pancetta, shrimp, and basil together. Mix well.

SUGGESTED RECIPE: Garlic Butter Shrimp and Brussels Sprouts Salad

If you love the combination of savory seafood and bold flavors, Garlic Butter Shrimp and Brussels Sprouts Salad is the perfect next dish to try. It takes the richness of garlic-butter shrimp and pairs it with crisp, caramelized Brussels sprouts for a dish that’s equally hearty and refreshing. The balance of textures and flavors makes it a satisfying meal, whether you’re looking for something light yet indulgent or a fresh take on a shrimp salad.