Healthy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Elevate your pasta night with this Healthy Garlic Shrimp Pasta—a light, flavorful dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Packed with protein-rich shrimp, whole-grain spaghetti, and a zesty garlic-lemon sauce, this recipe offers a guilt-free spin on classic comfort food. A dash of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley lend a touch of indulgence and freshness. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights or an elegant dinner. Serve it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a wholesome, balanced meal you’ll make on repeat.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole-grain spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.5 cup chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole-grain spaghetti according to package instructions, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken or vegetable broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add the cooked spaghetti and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the garlic-lemon sauce. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of extra parsley or parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1265 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.1 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.6 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 934 mg | 311% | |
| Sodium | 4211 mg | 183% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.4 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.2 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.4 g | ||
| Protein | 145.8 g | 292% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 927 mg | 71% | |
| Iron | 7.7 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 1843 mg | 39% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
