Healthy Shrimp Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Delicious, and Easy

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Healthy Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Creamy, Delicious, and Easy
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Welcome to our delicious Healthy Shrimp Pasta Recipe! Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a healthy pasta option, this dish is a great choice for a balanced and flavorful meal. This recipe combines succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and a creamy yet light sauce for a perfect dinner. Read on to discover how to create this wholesome shrimp pasta at home!

Introduction

This Healthy Shrimp Pasta Recipe brings together the best of both worlds—delicious and nutritious. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, this dish highlights the freshness of shrimp and the richness of a creamy sauce, without being overly heavy. The light cream cheese and broth make it a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or looking for a quick pasta dish, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

For more pasta inspiration, check out our other pasta recipes like the Baked Rigatoni alla Norma or the Spicy Garlic Shrimp Linguine!

Ingredients for Healthy Shrimp Pasta

  • 12 ounces of shrimp, tails removed
  • 8 ounces of pasta (Linguine recommended)
  • 3 cups of fresh spinach, washed and chopped
  • 5 ounces of light cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup crisp white wine (Masi Masianco Pinot Grigio & Verduzzo recommended)
  • 3/4 cup shrimp or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup light cream
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • Liberal dashes of salt and pepper
  • Lemon zest, for garnish

Optional Substitutions:

  • For dairy-free options: Replace cream cheese and cream with coconut milk.
  • For gluten-free options: Use gluten-free pasta.
  • Vegetarian version: Swap shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.

How to Make Healthy Shrimp Pasta – Step-by-Step

Step1: Prepare the Pasta

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta is a healthy alternative.

Step2: Sauté Vegetables

  1. In a medium-sized 3-quart pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and chopped yellow pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step3: Create the Creamy Sauce

  1. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the wine, broth, and light cream.
  2. Add cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted.
  3. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-6 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.

Step4: Cook the Shrimp

  1. In a separate small pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
  2. Cook the shrimp for about 2-4 minutes or until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
  3. Transfer the cooked shrimp into the cream sauce.

Step5: Add Spinach and Combine

  1. Add the spinach to the same small pan used for the shrimp.
  2. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until just wilted.
  3. Toss the wilted spinach into the cream sauce along with the shrimp.

Step6: Combine with Pasta and Serve

  1. Pour the creamy shrimp and spinach sauce over the cooked pasta.
  2. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Helpful Tips for Healthy Shrimp Pasta

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and spinach elevate the flavor and nutritional value.
  2. Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add more broth; if it’s too thin, let it simmer longer.
  3. Cooking Time for Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; overcooking will make them rubbery.

Cooking Tips for the Best Healthy Shrimp Pasta

  • Best Cooking Techniques: Sauté shrimp separately for the best texture, and always add spinach at the end to retain its bright color.
  • Equipment Suggestions: Use a large, deep skillet to comfortably mix all ingredients without overcrowding.
  • Pro Tip: For a deeper flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of wine after sautéing the vegetables.

Serving Suggestions for Healthy Shrimp Pasta

This pasta dish pairs beautifully with:

  • A fresh side salad with vinaigrette.
  • Garlic bread or crusty baguette.
  • A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.

For a more substantial meal, serve with a Homemade Yukon Gold Potato Chips side.

Nutritional Information for Healthy Shrimp Pasta

  • Calories: 310
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Proteins: 24g
  • Vitamins: A, C, Iron, Calcium

Nutritional Information per Serving:

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Total Fat: 12g (18% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 6g (30% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 110mg (37% DV)
  • Sodium: 420mg (18% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25g (8% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g (12% DV)
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 24g (48% DV)

Storage and Leftovers for Healthy Shrimp Pasta

  1. Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  2. Freezing: Avoid freezing, as the sauce may separate.
  3. Reheating Tips: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Healthy Shrimp Pasta

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
    Yes, thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking.
  2. What other vegetables can I add?
    Try adding cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini.
  3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
    Absolutely, any pasta variety will work with this sauce.
  4. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
    Yes, prepare the sauce and pasta separately and combine just before serving.

Related Recipes for Healthy Shrimp Pasta Lovers

  1. Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix – Easy & Tasty
  2. Peanut Butter Ganache – A Guide to Perfect Desserts

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making this Healthy Shrimp Pasta Recipe as much as we enjoyed sharing it! With its perfect blend of flavors and health benefits, it’s a delightful meal for any occasion. Let us know your feedback or any personal variations you tried. Don’t forget to check out our other delicious recipes for more culinary inspiration!

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Healthy Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Creamy, Delicious, and Easy

Healthy Shrimp Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Delicious, and Easy

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Description

Welcome to our delicious Healthy Shrimp Pasta Recipe! Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a healthy pasta option, this dish is a great choice for a balanced and flavorful meal. This recipe combines succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and a creamy yet light sauce for a perfect dinner. Read on to discover how to create this wholesome shrimp pasta at home!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 12 ounces of shrimp, tails removed
  • 8 ounces of pasta (Linguine recommended)
  • 3 cups of fresh spinach, washed and chopped
  • 5 ounces of light cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup crisp white wine (Masi Masianco Pinot Grigio & Verduzzo recommended)
  • 3/4 cup shrimp or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup light cream
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • Liberal dashes of salt and pepper
  • Lemon zest, for garnish

Optional Substitutions:

  • For dairy-free options: Replace cream cheese and cream with coconut milk.
  • For gluten-free options: Use gluten-free pasta.
  • Vegetarian version: Swap shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta is a healthy alternative.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

  1. In a medium-sized 3-quart pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and chopped yellow pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

  1. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the wine, broth, and light cream.
  2. Add cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted.
  3. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-6 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

  1. In a separate small pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
  2. Cook the shrimp for about 2-4 minutes or until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
  3. Transfer the cooked shrimp into the cream sauce.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Combine

  1. Add the spinach to the same small pan used for the shrimp.
  2. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until just wilted.
  3. Toss the wilted spinach into the cream sauce along with the shrimp.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta and Serve

  1. Pour the creamy shrimp and spinach sauce over the cooked pasta.
  2. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Equipment

Notes

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and spinach elevate the flavor and nutritional value.
  2. Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add more broth; if it’s too thin, let it simmer longer.
  3. Cooking Time for Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; overcooking will make them rubbery.

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