High Protein Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
A delightful dish combining high-protein chickpea or lentil pasta with rich creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt and parmesan cheese, complemented by tender shrimp and fresh spinach.
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 8 oz High-protein chickpea or lentil rotini pasta Can be substituted with regular whole grain pasta
- 1 lb Large shrimp, peeled and deveined Chicken breast can be used as an alternative
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 cup Plain non-fat Greek yogurt Can substitute with low-fat sour cream
- 1/2 cup Low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth) Vegetable broth offers a vegetarian option
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced Your favorite type of garlic works here
- 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil Can use avocado oil as an alternative
- 1/2 cup Freshly grated parmesan cheese Try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version
- 1 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes Adjust based on heat tolerance
- To taste Salt and pepper Always adjust seasoning to your preference
Vegetables
- 2 cups Fresh baby spinach Other leafy greens can be substituted
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the high-protein pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-10 minutes.
- Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for later use.
Searing the Shrimp
- In a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and sauté the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, allowing it to wilt.
- Return the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together.
- Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
Notes
Always reserve some pasta water for sauce consistency. Don't overcook the shrimp. Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best flavor.