Shrimp Carbonara

Shrimp Carbonara (American-style) is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that reimagines the classic Italian carbonara by substituting traditional guanciale with succulent shrimp. It typically features a rich sauce made from eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and often heavy cream, tossed with spaghetti or linguine. This fusion dish is a popular staple in American-Italian cuisine, offering a seafood twist on a beloved comfort food.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in fat and protein, with a moderate to high carbohydrate content from the pasta. It provides a good source of protein from the shrimp and calcium from the cheese, with a rough calorie ballpark of 600-900 calories per serving depending on portion size and cream usage.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	620 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbs	55 g
Fat	30 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	1150 mg
Cholesterol	210 mg
Calcium	180 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Potassium	420 mg
Vitamin A	350 IU
Vitamin C	2 mg
Vitamin B12	1.8 mcg
Selenium	45 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, American-style carbonara often diverges from the traditional Italian recipe by incorporating cream and shrimp, reflecting a broader American tendency to adapt and enrich classic dishes. Nutritionally, the addition of shrimp increases the protein content while maintaining the dish's signature richness, making it a more substantial seafood-centric meal.