Delicious and Healthy Shrimp Pasta Recipes: A Guide to Quick and Flavorful Meals

Shrimp pasta dishes are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and quick meal. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or something special to serve guests, there's a shrimp pasta recipe to fit your needs. These recipes are versatile, allowing you to incorporate various vegetables, herbs, and sauces to create a dish that suits your taste. Let's explore some amazing shrimp pasta recipes that are both nutritious and easy to prepare.

Why Shrimp Pasta is a Great Choice

Shrimp is a lean protein source that cooks quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. It pairs well with a variety of flavors and textures, from light lemon-garlic sauces to creamy Cajun-inspired creations. Additionally, shrimp is a good source of essential nutrients, including selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This recipe is perfect for those who love bright, zesty flavors. The combination of lemon, garlic, and olive oil creates a light yet flavorful sauce that complements the shrimp beautifully. It's a dish that feels fancy enough for a date night but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or any shape you prefer)
• Wild-caught shrimp, shelled, peeled, and deveined
• Olive oil
• Vegan butter (or regular butter)
• Minced shallots
• Minced garlic
• Dry white wine or broth (chicken, vegetable, or seafood)
• Fresh lemon juice (Sunkist® lemons recommended)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in heavily salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of salted pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet with olive oil. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn from grey to opaque white and pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: Add the shallots to the pan with the remaining olive oil and sauté until translucent. Next, add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Then add the white wine or broth. Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the wine reduces by about half.
4. Toss and Serve: Add the shrimp and pasta to the skillet and toss until glossy with sauce. Add about 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Health Benefits of Lemons

Lemons not only add a lovely flavor to foods but also provide a nutrition boost. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, containing 25% of the daily recommended value in one medium lemon. Lemons also offer fiber and antioxidant compounds like citric acid, hesperidin, diosmin, and d-limonene, which have been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease, cancer, and kidney stones.

Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta with Herbs and Feta

This recipe is inspired by Mediterranean flavors, featuring a garlicky, herby sauce with diced tomatoes, parsley, oregano, and feta cheese. It's a quick and easy dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (linguine or fettuccine recommended)
• Shrimp, thawed and peeled
• Olive oil
• Onions, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Crushed red pepper (optional)
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and oil. Drain.
2. Sauté Vegetables and Shrimp: In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, briefly heat olive oil. Add onions and cook until just beginning to soften, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shrimp and garlic, and continue cooking until shrimp are just beginning to turn opaque, about 2 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, parsley, oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper to the skillet. Continue cooking until the sauce mixture is heated through, about 5 minutes more.
4. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the pan and mix altogether. Sprinkle with feta and fresh basil before serving.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

For those who enjoy a richer, spicier flavor profile, creamy Cajun shrimp pasta is an excellent choice. This recipe uses a blend of Cajun seasoning, cottage cheese, and Parmesan to create a decadent yet healthy sauce.

Ingredients:

• Protein pasta (such as lentil or chickpea pasta for a healthier option)
• Shrimp, thawed, cleaned, and deveined
• Olive oil
• Cajun seasoning blend
• Dried thyme
• Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra kick)
• Red bell pepper, diced
• Scallions, chopped
• Low-fat cottage cheese
• Milk
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Reserved pasta water

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, making sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Season and Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to a bowl, drizzle on the olive oil, and add in your seasonings (Cajun seasoning, thyme, and cayenne if using). Stir to coat. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add your shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes per side until plump and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add your bell peppers and scallions and sauté for 2 minutes. Deglaze the pan with 1/2 to 3/4 cup of your reserved pasta water, scraping up any browned bits. Turn down the heat to low, and let the vegetables simmer.
4. Make the Cottage Cheese Cream Sauce: Add cottage cheese, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, and milk to a glass measuring cup (or bowl) and stir. Microwave for one minute. Pour into your vegetable mixture and stir, heating slowly until combined.
5. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet. Toss gently until fully coated with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra scallions if desired.

Healthy Shrimp Pasta with Spinach

This recipe is a simple and nutritious option, packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. The addition of spinach adds a boost of nutrients and a vibrant green color to the dish.

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat pasta (penne recommended)
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh spinach
• Butter
• Brown rice flour (or all-purpose flour)
• Low-fat milk
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a salted pot of water. When boiling, cook the pasta per instructions to al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, in a large skillet heat the oil and butter. Once heated, add the garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Cream Sauce: Slowly whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute. Slowly whisk in the milk. Cook for 2-3 minutes stirring frequently until thick. Add the Parmesan and cream cheese. Mix until thoroughly combined and the cream cheese is melted.
4. Add Spinach and Combine: Working in batches, add the spinach. Cook until completely wilted. Add the shrimp back to the pan along with the pasta. Add the pepper. Mix until the pasta is completely covered and warm.
5. Serve: Serve hot in a bowl.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Tomato Parmesan Sauce

This recipe combines the classic flavors of garlic, tomato, and Parmesan cheese with succulent shrimp. It's a quick and satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
• Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Cherry or grape tomatoes
• Chili flakes (optional)
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Reserved pasta water

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot with salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 2/3 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Sprinkle with chili flakes (if using) and set aside. Cover to keep warm.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce: To the same preheated skillet, add the remaining oil and cook the cherry tomatoes until they burst, about 2-3 minutes. Pour over the pasta water and deglaze the pan, stirring through the bottom of the pan.
4. Combine and Serve: Return the shrimp back to the pan, together with the cooked pasta and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, tossing with a pair of tongs to combine. Season with Kosher salt and ground pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

Healthy Shrimp Scampi Pasta

This is a light and complex dish. This recipe adds more nutritional value into the mix. It is a simple, 30-minute recipe that tastes like an elegant restaurant dish.

Ingredients:

• Pasta
• Olive oil
• Shrimp
• Salt
• Cracked pepper
• Butter
• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• White wine
• Parmesan Cheese
• Parsley
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package direction, making sure you salt your water before adding the pasta. Don't forget to measure out 1/2 cup of the pasta water before you drain your noodles. Set pasta and reserved cooking water aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add in 1 tsp olive oil. Add shrimp and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and cracked pepper to taste. Saute shrimp, flipping once, until almost cooked through, about 2-3 minutes total. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, over medium heat, add butter and remaining tsp of olive oil. Saute garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds, then add in white wine and pasta water. Reduce heat to simmer and cook until liquid has reduced by half, 7-10 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 tsp of salt to liquid.
4. Combine and Serve: Add shrimp and its juices back to the skillet, then add in the cooked pasta. Toss everything together over medium heat until sauce starts to absorb into the pasta, around 2-4 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. Add lemon juice, starting with just 2 tbsp. Add parmesan cheese and parsley, continuing to toss everything until most of the liquid is absorbed and the cheese has melted. Taste the pasta, adding more lemon and salt/pepper as desired. Serve with lemon wedges and extra parmesan and parsley.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

This lemon garlic shrimp pasta is the perfect easy weeknight dinner! It is made with spinach to get some veggies in, plus a hint of smoked paprika and chili flakes for a bit of a kick.

Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run

Ingredients:

• Shrimp
• Olive oil
• Smoked paprika
• Chili flakes
• Salt
• Pepper
• Pasta
• Garlic
• Spinach
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Fresh basil
• Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of water to boil for pasta. Cook according to package directions, then drain and return to pot.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. Place them in a bowl, then toss with 1 Tbsp of olive oil, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large pan over medium-high. Working in batches, add the shrimp to the pan (leaving some space between each shrimp). Cook 1-2 minutes per side, or until opaque. Remove from pan and place into a clean bowl.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Once shrimp are all cooked, add 1 more tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Cook minced garlic, 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned and fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. Turn off heat.
5. Combine and Serve: Add cooked pasta to the pan, along with lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining 2 Tbsp of olive oil, cooked shrimp, and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Serve hot, topping with freshly grated parmesan (if desired).

Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Mediterranean Flavors

This garlic shrimp pasta recipe is like fine dining in the comfort of your own home. Best part, you can make it in 20 minutes or less!

Ingredients:

• Pasta
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Shrimp
• Onions
• Garlic
• Kosher salt
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• White wine
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Parsley
• Tomatoes
• Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Get the pasta cooking in boiling water according to package. Remember to add salt. Save a bit of the starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Do this while the pasta is cooking to save time. My shrimp took about 4 minutes, cooked in a bit of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Make the Sauce: Remove the shrimp so you can use the same pan. Cook the onions and garlic with a bit of kosher salt, oregano and red pepper flakes(I used Aleppo-style pepper). Cook over medium/medium-low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the wine and allow it to cook for a minute then add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Parsley and tomatoes join the party for just a few seconds (30 to 40 seconds or so). You want the tomatoes to still have a good bite.
4. Combine and Serve: Mix in the pasta, and if you need to, add a bit of pasta water. Toss to be sure the pasta is well-coated. Add the cooked shrimp and toss until warmed through.

Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Pasta

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, garlic, and lemons can make a big difference in the flavor of your pasta dish.
• Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it, or it will become rubbery. Cook until it turns pink and opaque.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water from cooking pasta can be used to create a smoother, more emulsified sauce.
• Season Generously: Don't be afraid to season your pasta with salt, pepper, and other spices to enhance the flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate a variety of vegetables to add nutrients and texture to your dish. Quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, spinach, and cherry tomatoes work well.
• Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to customize these recipes to suit your preferences. Add more or less spice, use different types of pasta, or substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand.

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