Weight Watchers Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach

Introduction: Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that combines the rich flavors of succulent shrimp, whole wheat penne pasta, and vibrant spinach, all enveloped in a creamy, reduced-fat cheese sauce. Our Creamy Weight Watchers Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach Delight is not just a delightful dish but a celebration of mindful, health-conscious cooking. With a harmonious blend of ingredients, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and Weight Watchers-friendly, contributing to your wellness journey.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (about 2 cups) whole wheat penne pasta (or a lower-carb alternative)
  • 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese (such as reduced-fat cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the reduced-fat shredded cheese, fat-free plain Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and black pepper. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
  6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the wilted spinach and return the cooked shrimp to the skillet as well.
  7. Pour the cheese and yogurt mixture over the pasta, shrimp, and spinach. Stir everything together until the pasta and shrimp are coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
  8. Heat the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, allowing everything to heat through.
  9. Serve the Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach hot.

WW Points (Approximate per Serving):

The points can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, but it’s roughly 8 WW points per serving when divided into 4 servings.


Ingredients: To create this culinary delight, gather the following high-quality ingredients:

  1. 8 oz (approximately 2 cups) whole wheat penne pasta or a lower-carb alternative for a wholesome base.
  2. 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined, ensuring a succulent protein source.
  3. 1 tsp olive oil for a touch of heart-healthy richness.
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced, providing a fragrant foundation.
  5. 2 cups fresh spinach, adding a burst of vibrant color and nutritional goodness.
  6. 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) for a creamy texture without compromising on flavor.
  7. 1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt, contributing a tangy element to the dish.
  8. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a nuanced depth of flavor.
  9. Salt and black pepper to taste, enhancing the overall seasoning.
  10. Crushed red pepper flakes for those who crave a hint of heat (optional but delightful).

Instructions:

  1. Commence the culinary journey by cooking the whole wheat penne pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring a perfect al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a generously sized skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the large shrimp, cooking until they turn pink and opaque—approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
  3. In the same skillet, introduce the minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until its aroma permeates the air, creating a flavorful base.
  4. Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt within the skillet. This process takes approximately 2-3 minutes, ensuring the spinach maintains its vibrant color and nutritional integrity.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the reduced-fat shredded cheese, fat-free plain Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and black pepper. For those seeking a bit of spice, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can be added to the mix.
  6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the wilted spinach, and reintroduce the cooked shrimp, creating a tantalizing assembly of ingredients.
  7. Pour the creamy cheese and yogurt mixture over the pasta, shrimp, and spinach, ensuring every element is generously coated in the luscious sauce.
  8. Heat the entire mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing all components to meld together and heat through, creating a satisfying harmony of flavors.
  9. Serve the Creamy Weight Watchers Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach Delight hot, ready to be enjoyed by discerning palates.

WW Points (Approximate per Serving):

The Weight Watchers points for this delectable dish can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. However, a rough estimate places it at approximately 8 WW points per serving when divided into 4 portions.

Conclusion:

Our Creamy Weight Watchers Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach Delight transcends the ordinary, offering a culinary experience that satisfies both the palate and the mindful eater. With a thoughtfully crafted combination of wholesome ingredients and a reduced-fat cheese sauce, this dish is a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be an indulgence. Whether you’re on a Weight Watchers journey or simply seeking a delightful meal, embrace the richness of flavors and textures in every bite of this pasta masterpiece. Revel in the joy of savoring a dish that not only nourishes your body but also excites your taste buds with each mouthful.