You’re going to love Carbonara with Shrimp and Corn so much that you might not go back to making the traditional version. Shrimp, corn and bacon add tons of flavor to this classic pasta dish which is even better when you grill the corn.

It’s the end of summer around here but there’s still fresh corn around. While I can’t wait for some cooler weather, I’m enjoying our long drawn out summer. Carbonara with shrimp and corn is a favorite of ours, it’s light and fresh with lots of flavor. The bacon, shrimp and corn are a great addition to a classic dish of Carbonara with Shrimp and Corn.
What is pasta carbonara
Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish typically made with eggs, a hard cheese like parmesan or romano and pancetta served over linguine. The egg creates a creamy sauce that’s flavored with bits of meat. Some versions also have cream in the sauce for a richer dish.
It’s a dish that can be thrown together quickly and with just a few ingredients.
This version of carbonara takes a bit more planning as it has a few steps but you can do some in advance. You can grill the corn early in the day and cook the bacon and shrimp ahead of time. When you are ready to eat, just cook the pasta and assemble it so there is minimal time in the kitchen when your friends arrive. You want to serve this right away.
Pro tip: Try cooking the bacon with flour in the oven for the crispiest bacon without making a mess.
How to make carbonara with grilled corn and shrimp
Step 1:
Grill the corn and let it cool enough to remove from the cob.
Step 2:
Cook the bacon and remove to a plate, reserving the bacon grease.
Step 3:
Cook the shrimp and remove to a plate.
Step 4:
Sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes in some of the bacon grease and then add cooked pasta.
Step 5:
Whisk together eggs and parmesan and add to the pasta with a little pasta water. Cook for a couple of minutes then add the bacon, shrimp and corn back to the skillet and serve.
This makes a lot so it’s a great recipe to make for friends. Not only do you get a lot of flavor from the shrimp, grilled corn and bacon, but it looks pretty impressive for company.
With some pre-planning you can assemble this in just a few minutes and enjoy the last of summer. This is still fabulous if you don’t want to grill the corn or if frozen is all you can find. If you forgot to make plans, try shrimp and asparagus for a super quick and delicious one pan dinner.
If you’re looking for a rich and creamy carbonara, check out Pancetta Carbonara, it’s an all time favorite around our house. If you’re not in the mood for shrimp, try salmon with yummy herbed butter.
What goes with shrimp and corn carbonara
Since this has corn and pasta, it’s a full meal but that doesn’t mean you can’t add an appetizer and dessert.
- Tomato tart
- Ham & cheese puff pastry
- Spinach pinwheels
- Peach salsa
- Strawberry skillet cake
- Lemon chiffon pie
- Peaches in puff pastry
More recipes using fresh corn
- Grilled Corn and Blueberry Salad
- Baked Rice with Italian Sausage and Corn
- Grilled Quesadilla with Shrimp and Corn
- Shrimp Boil Packs
Carbonara with Shrimp and Corn
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick sliced bacon chopped
- 1 ½ lbs raw shrimp peeled and de-veined
- salt & pepper
- 4 ears corn on the cob grilled
- 1 lb bucatini pasta
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1-2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 eggs
- 1 ½ cups parmesan cheese grated
- fresh chives
- fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook corn on the grill until lightly charred, or cook however you prefer. Let it cool enough to cut from the cob and set aside.
- In a medium bowl whisk together eggs and add cheese.
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta per package directions, drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
- In a very large skillet cook bacon over medium heat. Once it is crispy, remove to a paper towel lined plate. Leave one tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan and save the rest for later in the recipe.
- Pat shrimp dry and add to the skillet, cook over medium heat until just cooked, about 3-4 minutes, transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining bacon grease back to the skillet or add 1 tablespoon of butter, and heat over low heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add pasta to the skillet and coat in garlic and bacon fat.
- Add egg mixture and ½ cup of pasta water to the skillet and toss quickly for about 3-4 minutes until it coats the pasta evenly. Add bacon, shrimp and corn and combine. Remove from heat and add fresh basil and chives. Serve immediately.
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