Indulge in the symphony of flavors that is Ground Beef and Shrimp Pasta. This culinary masterpiece showcases the hearty robustness of ground beef, perfectly balanced with the delicate, sweet notes of shrimp, all intertwined with al dente pasta. Marrying these ingredients together creates a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated, satisfying yet light.
Whether it’s the highlight of a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this Ground Beef and Shrimp Pasta recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s embark on this gastronomic journey and discover the joy of cooking this delightful pasta dish.
What is ground beef and shrimp pasta?
Ground beef and shrimp pasta is a popular Italian-American dish that combines two beloved ingredients – ground beef and shrimp, with al dente pasta. The savory flavors of ground beef are complemented by the delicate sweetness of shrimp, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture.
This dish can be made in various ways, using different types of pasta such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, and can be garnished with herbs, cheeses, or vegetables. It is a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit individual preferences and dietary requirements.
Why You’ll Love this ground beef and shrimp pasta?
- Flavorful Combination: The combination of ground beef and shrimp creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is satisfying to the taste buds.
- Versatile: This dish can be served as a main course for dinner, or as a side dish for lunch or brunch. It’s also perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques, this dish can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and shrimp are affordable protein options, making this dish a budget-friendly choice for families or individuals.
- Customizable: This ground beef and shrimp pasta recipe can easily be customized to suit individual preferences, whether it’s adding in more vegetables or switching up the type of pasta used.
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The Ingredients
- Shrimp: Shrimp adds a unique seafood flavor that pairs well with the savory taste of ground beef. It also adds texture and protein to the dish. The small size ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
- Ground Beef: Ground beef is the main protein source in this dish. It adds a hearty, robust flavor that complements the delicate taste of the shrimp. The beef also gives the dish body and substance.
- Penne Pasta: Penne pasta is a great choice for this dish because its shape allows it to hold on to the flavors of the sauce. Its firm texture contrasts nicely with the softness of the shrimp and beef.
- Jalapeno: Jalapeno peppers add a touch of heat to the dish, enhancing the other flavors. They also add a nice color contrast.
- Bell Pepper: Bell peppers add a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that balances the rich taste of the beef and cream. They also provide a nice crunch and vibrant color.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and depth to the sauce. It helps to thicken the sauce and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Shallot: Shallots bring a subtle sweetness and mild onion flavor, which complements both the beef and shrimp.
- Spinach leaves: Spinach adds a pop of color and a hint of earthiness to the dish. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Old Bay is a classic seafood seasoning that enhances the flavor of the shrimp. It brings a blend of heat, sweet, and savory flavors to the dish.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a warm, savory flavor that complements both the beef and shrimp.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder brings an additional layer of savory flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a kick of heat and a touch of aromatic spice.
- Salt: Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish, making them more pronounced.
- Heavy Whipped Cream: The cream creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta, beef, and shrimp beautifully. It also helps to meld all the flavors together.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds tanginess and helps to thicken the sauce, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Mozzarella: Mozzarella adds a gooey, cheesy element to the dish. It also helps to thicken the sauce and makes it extra indulgent.
- Sriracha Sauce: Sriracha adds a spicy kick to the dish, which can be adjusted to personal preference. It contrasts and cuts through the richness of the dish.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Penne Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Follow the cooking instructions on the package for the penne pasta. Cook until the pasta is al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Jalapeno
In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced shallots and jalapeno if you’re using it. Sauté for about 2 minutes or until they become softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
To the skillet, add the ground beef, onion powder, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture until the ground beef is browned and fully cooked.
Step 4: Add Bell Peppers
Incorporate the diced bell peppers into the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This adds a colorful and flavorful element to your dish.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Stir in the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Shrimp cook relatively quickly, so be mindful not to overcook them.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce
Add in the heavy whipped cream, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined and the cheeses have completely melted, creating a creamy sauce.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the cooked penne pasta and add it to the skillet. Stir everything together until all the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens as the pasta absorbs the delicious flavors.
Step 8: Add Spinach
Toss in a handful of spinach leaves and gently stir them into the pasta until they slightly wilt. This adds a vibrant touch of green and a nutritious element to your dish.
Step 9: Serve and Garnish
Serve your ground beef and shrimp pasta hot. For an extra kick of heat and flavor, drizzle Sriracha sauce on top, giving it that extra zing.
Notes
- To make this dish even healthier, you can use whole wheat penne pasta instead of regular.
- If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can omit the jalapeno and Sriracha sauce.
- This dish is great for meal prep as it reheats well and makes for delicious leftovers.
- You can add any other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to add more variety and nutrition.
- For a twist on the classic recipe, you can use different types of pasta such as farfalle, rigatoni, or linguine.
Nutrition Information
How to store ground beef and shrimp pasta?
If you have any leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it on the stovetop until heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in individual portions. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw the frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations
- For a healthier option, you can substitute the heavy whipped cream with coconut milk or almond milk.
- To make it a vegetarian dish, omit the ground beef and shrimp and add in tofu or your choice of protein such as chickpeas or black beans.
- You can also use different types of seafood such as scallops, crab meat, or even lobster to elevate the dish.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, add more cream cheese or use a combination of different types of cheeses.
Equipment
- Food Processor
- chopping board
- knife
- whisker
Ingredients
- Half a cup of Shrimp small size, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb. Ground Beef
- ½ pack of Penne Pasta about 8 oz or 225g
- 1 Jalapeno optional, diced
- 1 Bell Pepper diced
- ½ cup Butter
- 1 Shallot Diced
- 2 cups Spinach leaves
- 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- Additional ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ cup Heavy Whipped Cream
- 2 tsp Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella or as per preference
- Sriracha Sauce for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Cook the penne pasta in boiling water according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt butter over medium-high heat in a skillet.
- Add diced shallots and jalapeno (if using) to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until they have softened.
- Add the ground beef, onion powder, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet.
- Cook the mixture until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Next, stir in the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
- Add the heavy whipped cream, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the skillet.
- Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the cheeses have melted.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet.
- Stir until all the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
- Add in a handful of spinach leaves and gently stir them into the pasta until they wilt slightly.
- Serve the pasta hot with a drizzle of Sriracha sauce on top for an extra kick of heat.
Notes
- To make this dish even healthier, you can use whole wheat penne pasta instead of regular.
- If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can omit the jalapeno and Sriracha sauce.
- This dish is great for meal prep as it reheats well and makes for delicious leftovers.
- You can add any other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to add more variety and nutrition.
- For a twist on the classic recipe, you can use different types of pasta such as farfalle, rigatoni, or linguine.
Nutrition
FAQs
Q: I’m allergic to shrimp, what can I use instead?
A: You can replace shrimp with other types of seafood like scallops or chunks of firm white fish. If you’re allergic to all seafood, try using diced chicken or tofu for a different flavor profile.
Q: I don’t have Old Bay seasoning, what can I use instead?
A: If you don’t have Old Bay, you can make your blend with celery salt, paprika, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, any seafood seasoning blend would work.
Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: You can use margarine instead of butter, and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk thickened with a bit of flour. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative for the mozzarella and cream cheese.
Wrapping Up
This ground beef and shrimp pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory flavors of beef, shrimp, and various other ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
With simple variations, it can also cater to different dietary preferences. So give this recipe a try and savor every bite of this mouth-watering dish. Keep experimenting and enjoy!
Also, don’t forget to share your experience, and feedback in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more