Description
Healthy Creamy Shrimp Pasta is a light yet indulgent dish made with Greek yogurt, fresh shrimp, and whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Packed with protein and flavor, this easy 25-minute recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Greek yogurt or light cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh spinach or kale
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Lemon juice
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Shrimp – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce – In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan – Pour in the broth and stir to loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
- Make it Creamy – Reduce the heat to low and stir in Greek yogurt (or light cream cheese) until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients – Toss in the cherry tomatoes and spinach, letting them soften slightly. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir everything together.
- Add Pasta – Mix in the cooked pasta, stirring well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Finishing Touches – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy – Plate the pasta while warm and savor a creamy, flavorful, and healthy meal.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option – Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut milk or a cashew-based cream alternative.
- Low-Carb Version – Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a keto-friendly dish.
- Extra Veggies – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus for more texture and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick – Use more red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for a fiery twist.
- Seafood Mix – Combine shrimp with scallops or crab meat for a seafood medley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, pasta dish
- Method: Sautéing, boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: healthy shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, easy shrimp pasta, low-calorie pasta, Greek yogurt pasta