Low-Carb Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Welcome to our detailed guide on making a delicious low-carb, low-calorie Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach. This dish is designed to fit within your low-carb and calorie-conscious dietary goals while offering a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

For the Low-Carb Penne Pasta:

  • 8 oz (225g) low-carb penne pasta – Choose a variety made from ingredients like almond flour or konjac flour.

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined – Opt for fresh or properly thawed shrimp.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – For cooking.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika – For a subtle smoky flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For additional heat.

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk – A lower-carb alternative to heavy cream.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Provides a melty texture.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp flavor.
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese – For creaminess.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – Adds flavor complexity.

For the Vegetables:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach – Adds nutrients and color.
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – For a touch of tangy sweetness.

Garnishes (Optional):

  • Fresh basil, chopped – For freshness.
  • Extra Parmesan cheese – For added flavor.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Low-Carb Penne Pasta:

a. Boil the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add 8 oz of low-carb penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

b. Drain and Set Aside:

  • Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

a. Heat the Oil:

  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

b. Sauté the Shrimp:

  • Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.

c. Add Garlic and Seasonings:

  • Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
  • Optionally, add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

d. Remove Shrimp:

  • Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

a. Heat the Almond Milk:

  • In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and heat over medium-low until it begins to simmer.

b. Add Cream Cheese:

  • Stir in 1/4 cup of cream cheese and cook until melted and smooth.

c. Add Cheeses and Seasonings:

  • Gradually add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.

4. Combine Ingredients:

a. Add Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

  • Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach and 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are heated through.

b. Incorporate Shrimp and Pasta:

  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well-coated with the cheese sauce.

5. Serve and Garnish:

a. Garnish:

  • If desired, garnish with fresh chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

b. Serve:

  • Serve immediately while hot.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings total)

  • Calories: 320
  • Total Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 3g

Weight Watchers (WW) Points

  • SmartPoints®: Approximately 7 points per serving (based on the assumption of 4 servings total).

Useful Tips

  1. Choosing Pasta: Ensure the low-carb penne pasta is genuinely low-carb and made from low-carb ingredients like almond flour or konjac flour.
  2. Shrimp Preparation: Use fresh or well-thawed shrimp. Ensure they are peeled and deveined before cooking.
  3. Cheese Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more almond milk or a splash of chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
  4. Meal Prep: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp should be cooked just until pink and opaque to avoid becoming tough and rubbery.
  2. Clumpy Cheese Sauce: Stir continuously while adding cheese to avoid clumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
  3. Pasta Cooking: Cook the pasta to al dente to maintain the right texture when mixed with the sauce.

Conclusion

Our low-carb Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach is a satisfying and flavorful meal that adheres to a low-carb lifestyle while keeping calories in check. This detailed guide provides all the information needed for a successful cooking experience, including clear instructions and nutritional information to support your dietary goals.

Feel free to experiment with different low-carb vegetables or cheeses to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this delicious dish as part of your healthy eating plan!