Simple and delicious, this healthy shrimp pasta recipe will have you hooked!
Unlike most shrimp pasta prepared with tablespoons of butter and rich in saturated fat, our version uses heart-healthy olive oil. It is packed with veggies, too, so you can enjoy shrimp and pasta without an ounce of guilt!
Find out how to put a nutritious meal on the dinner table in less than an hour. Also, learn how to make a low-carb noodles option and a Cajun shrimp pasta recipe!
Healthy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Yield: 4 servings
Nutrition per serving: 440 calories, 12 g fat, 34 g protein, 49 g total carb, 9 g fiber
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
• 8 oz whole wheat linguine noodles (half of a 16oz box)
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail off
• 1 fresh lemon, juiced
• 3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. As the pasta is boiling, saute garlic with olive oil for a minute or two until fragrant in a large pot. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and onion and cook for about 10 minutes or until tender.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
4. Toss veggies and shrimp with the noodles and squeeze fresh lemon juice atop. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and add salt and pepper to taste as desired.
Low-Carb Shrimp Pasta
Looking for a low-carb pasta dish? Cook a shrimp and veggie pasta with zucchini noodles or "zoodles."
Using zoodles naturally cuts carbs and overall calories while supplying fiber and other beneficial nutrients. And not to mention, making these low-carb noodles is quick and simple.
There are many ways to prep the zoodles, including sautéing on the stovetop over medium-high heat. But baking in the oven helps them come out "al dente" and lowers the risk of a mushy pasta.
Bake the best zoodles with this easy 4-step process:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using a spiralizer, spiral 3 large zucchinis to create the "noodles." A vegetable peeler can work as well, just include the peel for maximum nutrients! Shave down until the center with the seeds.
3. Add noodles to the lined sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded. Use two baking sheets as needed.
4. Roast for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until noodles have reached preferred consistency. Check and flip noodles throughout to ensure even cooking.
Make It Cajun
Have your tastebuds dancing to New Orleans flavors with a Cajun shrimp pasta recipe! Transforming the original recipe to highlight these flavors is simple, too.
Here is how to do whip up a tasty, yet quick bowl of Cajun shrimp pasta:
1. Add shrimp to a large bowl or bag and drizzle with olive oil. Add Cajun seasoning* and toss till the shrimp is coated. Let shrimp marinate or use right away.
2. To really relish on the flavors of the Bayou, sauté the "holy trinity" in a skillet over medium heat. The holy trinity is a savory mix of onion, celery and bell pepper. It is often thickened with a dark roux and used in common Cajun dishes, including this seafood gumbo recipe.
3. Once the holy trinity has softened, add shrimp and cook for a minute or two on each side or until pink. Add in some crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
4. Top shrimp over preferred noodles and garnish with fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and green onion.
*Cajun seasoning is sold at common grocers, though you can also mix up a homemade blend:
Simply combine 2 Tbsp each of paprika and garlic powder and 1 Tbsp each of cayenne, onion powder, and oregano. Also feel to add salt and pepper, along with other flavors such as thyme and Italian seasoning.
