High-Protein Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Pasta

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High-Protein Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Pasta

Table of Contents

A delicious, protein-packed pasta dish featuring juicy shrimp, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a flavorful garlic-infused sauce. This meal is perfect for a post-workout meal or a satisfying, healthy dinner.

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta (chickpea or lentil pasta for extra protein)
  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled & deveined)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

For Extra Protein:

  • ½ cup cooked white beans or chickpeas (optional)
  • 1 tbsp hemp seeds or chia seeds for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
    • Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Cook the Shrimp
    • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
    • Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
    • Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce
    • In the same pan, add another tbsp of olive oil.
    • Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    • Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and burst.
  4. Combine Everything
    • Return the shrimp to the pan.
    • Add the drained pasta and toss everything together.
    • If needed, add some reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
    • Stir in fresh basil and mix well.
  5. Finish & Serve
    • Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).
    • Optionally, add extra protein sources like white beans or hemp seeds.
    • Serve hot and enjoy!
See also  Healthy Pickled Beets Recipe

Notes & Tips

  • Pasta Choice: Chickpea or lentil pasta increases protein content.
  • Shrimp Alternatives: Substitute with grilled chicken or tofu for variety.
  • Make it Creamy: Stir in ¼ cup Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese for a creamy sauce.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
  • Spice it Up: Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

(Approximate values, varies by ingredients used)

  • Calories: ~400 kcal
  • Protein: ~35g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Fat: ~12g
  • Fiber: ~6g
  • Sodium: ~500mg

Benefits of High-Protein Shrimp & Cherry Tomato Pasta

✅ High in Protein – Supports muscle growth and repair.
✅ Rich in Antioxidants – Cherry tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
✅ Heart-Healthy – Olive oil and shrimp contain healthy fats that support cardiovascular health.
✅ Great for Weight Management – High-protein meals keep you full longer.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.

Q&A

🔹 Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast.

🔹 What if I don’t eat shrimp?
Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, tofu, or extra beans for a vegetarian option.

🔹 Is this pasta good for meal prep?
Yes, but store the sauce separately to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid.

🔹 How can I make it even healthier?
Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta, add spinach, or mix in more vegetables.

Enjoy your High-Protein Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Pasta and stay fueled with this nutritious, delicious meal! 🍤🍝

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