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.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

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)
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of extra parsley or parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	951.8 grams (951.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1265

Total Fat 48.10g	62%
Saturated Fat 15.60g	78%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 934mg	311%
Sodium 4211mg	183%
Total Carbohydrate 73.40g	27%
Dietary Fiber 12.20g	44%
Total Sugars 3.40g
Protein 145.80g	292%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 927mg	71%
Iron 8mg	43%
Potassium 1843mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.1%

Protein: 44.5%

Carbs: 22.4%