We made this quick foil packet shrimp pasta recipe for dinner last weekend. I was a bit skeptical at first since I had not tried it before. Most shrimp dishes cooked in a foil packet over a campfire work out well for me and this one did too. This recipe exceeded all my expectations and then some.
It’s incredibly easy to prepare. I mean, we’re talking 10 minutes of prep time max. You simply place your favorite pasta, succulent shrimp, and some flavorful seasonings into a foil packet, seal it up, and toss it onto the grill or campfire. The result is a perfectly cooked, shrimp pasta from the campfire.
I loved how well the flavors came together together in this dish. The shrimp were pink and juicy, and the pasta was cooked to a perfectly. Cleanup was a breeze, since everything was contained in that one little foil packet.
You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices. When you want some extra protein throw in some diced chicken or bacon. Add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. The possibilities are endless.
As we sat around the campfire, devouring our foil packet shrimp pasta and swapping stories of our day’s adventures. So grab your camping gear, your favorite pasta, and your appetite, and get ready to try one of the easiest, most delicious camping trip dinner ever.
Cooking Instructions For the Quick and Foil Packet Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- The first step of making the foil packet shrimp pasta is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the foil packet shrimp pasta, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
- If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
- If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
- Cook pasta for 1/2 the recommended cooking time. Pasta should still be very firm.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and saute for a minute. Dump in the tomatoes and wine. Stir the mixture together, season with salt and pepper, and allow to cook for ten minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare an extra large Reynolds aluminum cooking bag. It should be large enough to hold the entire pasta dish.
- Throw the shrimp on the top of the pasta sauce. Throw the drained pasta over the top, then slide the whole dish onto the foil. Close the bag and seal.
- Cook over the fire for 15 minutes.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve. Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the top. Squeeze on lemon juice, if desired.
Ingredients
olive oil
garlic
tomatoes
White Wine
shrimp
salt
pepper
parsley
linguine
red pepper flakes
Why I Love This Quick and Foil Packet Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Cooking with foil packets is a popular method among campers for several reasons. Here are ten factual reasons why:
Ease of Preparation:
1. Minimal Prep Time: Preparing foil packet meals is usually quick and straightforward, often involving simply chopping ingredients and seasoning them before wrapping in foil.
Simple Ingredients: Many foil packet recipes require basic, readily available ingredients.
2. Convenience:
No Need for Pots and Pans: Foil packets eliminate the need for multiple cooking utensils and dishes.
Portability: Foil packets are easy to transport, making them ideal for camping trips.
3. Versatility:
Variety of Recipes: Almost any meal can be adapted for foil packet cooking, from breakfast to dessert.
Suitable for Various Cooking Methods: Foil packets can be cooked over an open flame, on a grill, or in coals.
4. Flavor Enhancement:
Sealed Cooking: The sealed packets trap steam, helping to retain moisture and enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
Even Cooking: Foil packets promote even cooking by distributing heat uniformly.
5. Easy Cleanup:
Disposable: After cooking, the foil can be disposed of, reducing the need for washing dishes.
Less Mess: The foil contains the food and any cooking juices, minimizing spills and mess.
6. Healthier Cooking:
Less Oil Needed: The steaming effect of foil packets often requires less oil or fat for cooking.
Nutrient Retention: Cooking in foil packets can help retain nutrients in the food since it cooks in its own juices.
7. Portion Control:
Individual Servings: Foil packets can be easily portioned out for individual servings, making it easier to manage meal sizes.
Customizable: Each packet can be customized to accommodate individual dietary preferences or restrictions.
8. Safety:
Reduced Risk of Contamination: Cooking food in sealed packets reduces the risk of cross-contamination, especially important when dealing with raw meat.
Controlled Cooking Environment: The packets help control the cooking environment, reducing the risk of food falling into the fire or grill.
9. Fuel Efficiency:
Shorter Cooking Times: Foil packets often require less cooking time, conserving fuel.
Efficient Heat Use: The packets make efficient use of the heat source, whether it’s a campfire, grill, or portable stove.
10. Fun and Interactive:
Group Activity: Making foil packets can be a fun group activity, allowing everyone to assemble their own meals.
Creative Cooking: Campers can get creative with their recipes, trying different ingredient combinations and cooking techniques.
These reasons make foil packet cooking a favored method among campers, providing practicality, efficiency, and enjoyment.
Campfire Foil Packet Cooking Tips
Use heavy-duty aluminum foil. This will help prevent tearing as you handle the packs and flip them over the campfire/grill.
Take advantage of indirect heat. When cooking over a campfire, you’ll want to use embers/coals, rather than placing the packets right over a roaring fire.
Flip the packets. Turn the packets over every once in a while to make sure they cook evenly.
Protect your hands: We like to use heat-resistant gloves or extra-long BBQ tongs when handling hot foil packets.
Use a meat thermometer. When it comes to foil pack recipes, we highly recommend using an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the meat is cooked through. Take a packet off the fire, carefully open it (it will be full of steam!), and check the temp of a few pieces. If the meat needs more time, re-seal the packet and put it back on the fire to cook for a while longer.
What Are Foil Packets and How Do I Use Them
Campfire foil packets are dishes prepared on a campfire or grill packaged in foil and served all at once. You might have tried them previously or seen others camping with food wrapped in tinfoil and thrown on a grill to cook together.
Like a one-pot dinner, all of the ingredients cook altogether within the foil, resulting in a steaming, tender, and wonderful all-in-one dish. Foil packages can be prepared over a campfire, on a grill, or in the oven.
This dish is extremely adjustable, so if someone doesn’t like onions, for instance, you may substitute it with green beans, making it ideal for a group. These are a few typical items found in foil packs.
It’s simple to switch out ingredients! Choose asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, or sweet peppers. To replace fresh potatoes, use frozen cubed hash browns or thinly chopped sweet potatoes. Instead of Italian spice, use lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite barbecue sauce. In addition, instead of chicken breasts, use chicken thighs, chicken sausage, or ground chicken in chicken foil packets.
What Exactly is a Foil Pack Meal?
A foil pack dinner, also known as a hobo package or foil packet dinner? is a complete meal composed of vegetables, meats, carbohydrates, and spices wrapped in many layers of aluminum foil. It’s cooked over campfire embers, on the grill, or in the oven. The tight closure retains moisture while steam cooks the food within the package.
Additionally, there are several vegetable and protein combos that may be used to create quick foil pack camping dinners. For example, in this package, I combine asparagus, chicken, and potatoes with garlic flavor.
It’s simple to switch out ingredients! Choose asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, or sweet peppers. To replace fresh potatoes, use frozen cubed hash browns or thinly chopped sweet potatoes. Instead of Italian spice, use lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite barbecue sauce. In addition, instead of chicken breasts, use chicken thighs, chicken sausage, or ground chicken in chicken foil packets.
How To Make Foil Packets
- Tear out a 16-inch piece of tinfoil.
- Place the meal onto the foil sheet.
- Fold up both long edges of the foil until the ends touch above the meal.
- Double fold both ends, allowing heat circulation inside.
- To close the packet, double fold the two short ends.
Make Ahead Tips For the Quick and Foil Packet Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Start The Coals / Prepare Your Fire
The first step is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them a lot so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
Campfire Cooking Tools
Kitchen Twine
Mixing Bowl
Cast Iron Skillet
Grill Grate
Knives
Campfire Cooking Utensils
Campfire Serving Utensils
Campfire Fork or Tongs
Fire Proof Cooking Gloves
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Foil Paper Non Stick
FAQ For the Quick and Foil Packet Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Q: What is the foil packet shrimp pasta recipe?
A: The foil packet shrimp pasta recipe is a simple and convenient recipe that combines shrimp, pasta, and vegetables in a flavorful and easy-to-make dish. It’s cooked in a foil packet in the oven, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a quick meal prep solution.
Q: What ingredients do I need to make foil packet shrimp pasta recipe?
A: You’ll need the following ingredients: shrimp, pasta of your choice (such as linguine or fettuccine), cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices (such as parsley or red pepper flakes). You’ll also need aluminum foil or parchment paper to cook the foil packet shrimp pasta recipe in.
Q: How do I assemble the foil packets for the foil packet shrimp pasta recipe?
A: To assemble the foil packets, start by placing a portion of pasta on the center of a piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper. Add a few cherry tomatoes, some garlic, and a few shrimp on top of the pasta. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Fold the foil over the ingredients to create a packet, making sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent steam from escaping during cooking.
Q: How long does it take to cook the foil packet shrimp pasta recipe?
A: The foil packet shrimp pasta recipe cooks in just 12-15 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Simply place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for the recommended time, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the pasta is al dente.
Q: Can I customize the foil packet shrimp pasta recipe to my taste?
A: Absolutely! You can customize the foil packet shrimp pasta recipe to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices. Some ideas include adding diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the packet, or using different seasonings such as lemon juice or dried basil. You can also serve the dish with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a more complete meal.
Other Foil Packet Recipes to Try
Breakfast Sausage n Hash Browns n Scallions
Tilapia with Pesto Veggies Foil Packet Recipe
Campfire Honey Dijon Chicken Foil Packets Recipe
Ultimate Campfire Burger Foil Pack Recipe
Campfire Sweet Potato Tacos Foil Packets Recipe
Quick and Easy Foil Packet Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Grill Grate
- knives
- Campfire Cooking Utensils
- Campfire Serving Utensils
- Campfire Fork Or Tongs
- fire proof cooking gloves
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Foil Paper Non Stick
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic Minced
- 15 oz tomatoes diced (or Whole)
- 1/2 cup White Wine
- 2 lb shrimp jumbo peeled and deveined
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper fresh ground
- parsley fresh minced
- 1 lb linguine uncooked
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- The first step of making the foil packet shrimp pasta is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the foil packet shrimp pasta, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
- If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
- If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
- Cook pasta for 1/2 the recommended cooking time. Pasta should still be very firm.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sautee for a minute. Dump in the tomatoes and wine. Stir the mixture together, season with salt and pepper, and allow to cook for ten minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare an extra large Reynolds aluminum cooking bag. It should be large enough to hold the entire pasta dish.
- Throw the shrimp on the top of the pasta sauce. Throw the drained pasta over the top, then slide the whole dish onto the foil. Close the bag and seal.
- Cook over the fire for 15 minutes.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve. Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the top. Squeeze on lemon juice, if desired.
2 comments
This was good recipe, I made it on my last camping trip.
Really good shrimp recipe and super easy to make.
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