Description
Satisfy protein cravings with this Mediterranean shrimp pasta bowl, packed with zesty flavors and nutritious ingredients. Meal preppers and wellness enthusiasts will love this quick, balanced dish that delivers delicious nutrition in every satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces (226 grams) high-protein pasta (like chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat pasta)
Vegetables:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot with salted water and cook pasta until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency. Drain thoroughly and set pasta aside.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Generously season shrimp with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté shrimp until they transform into a vibrant pink color and appear translucent. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same skillet, adding additional olive oil. Introduce minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers, gently sautéing until vegetables soften slightly. Incorporate fresh spinach and continue cooking until leaves wilt and become tender.
- Enhance the skillet’s contents by pouring lemon juice and chicken broth. Allow mixture to simmer, melding flavors together. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring to create a cohesive blend.
- Reunite the reserved pasta and sautéed shrimp with the vegetable mixture. Thoroughly toss ingredients, ensuring each component is evenly coated with the aromatic sauce.
- Distribute the complete pasta mixture equally among four meal preparation containers. Allow contents to cool completely before securing lids and refrigerating.
- When ready to consume, warm the meal in a microwave for approximately one to two minutes. Optional: Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped herbs for an elevated presentation.
Notes
- Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a low-carb, gluten-free version that’s equally delicious and nutritious.
- Choose wild-caught shrimp for better flavor and sustainable seafood practices, ensuring higher quality protein in your meal prep.
- Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick that boosts metabolism and adds exciting depth to the dish’s flavor profile.
- Prep ingredients in advance by chopping vegetables and portioning spices the night before to streamline cooking and reduce morning stress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg