Creamy Spicy Shrimp Pasta with a Low-Fat Twist
This delicious pasta dish is a guilt-free indulgence that perfectly balances creamy textures with a spicy kick. Combining succulent shrimp, perfectly al dente spaghetti, and a light sauce, it delivers rich flavors while keeping your health goals in check. This recipe was inspired during a late-night cooking session to satisfy a pasta craving but without the heavy calories typical of a cream-based sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish will impress everyone at the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
1 lb (cooked and drained)
Smart Balance butter spread
3 tablespoons (melted)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
onion
1 small (minced)
garlic cloves
6 (minced)
Wondra Flour
2 1/2 tablespoons (none)
white wine
1 cup (none)
chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can (none)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
large shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined)
fat-free half-and-half
1 cup (none)
fresh parsley
to taste (chopped)
parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the Smart Balance butter spread and olive oil. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3
Sprinkle the Wondra flour over the onion and garlic, stirring continuously for about 3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4
Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, then add the red pepper flakes and a generous amount of fresh ground black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly, about 5 minutes.
5
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes.
6
Lower the heat and stir in the fat-free half-and-half and chopped fresh parsley. Heat through without boiling the sauce.
7
Combine the cooked spaghetti with the shrimp mixture, tossing well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
8
Serve hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and more parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein is one pound of large shrimp, which should be peeled and deveined.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for one pound of spaghetti cooked until al dente.
How is this pasta dish kept low-fat?
The recipe uses Smart Balance butter spread and fat-free half-and-half instead of heavy cream and traditional butter.
How long should I cook the shrimp?
Shrimp should be cooked for approximately 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque.
What makes this pasta spicy?
The spicy kick comes from 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and a generous amount of fresh ground black pepper.
What kind of wine is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of white wine to help build the sauce base.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
This recipe requires 6 minced garlic cloves for a robust flavor.
What is Wondra Flour and why is it used?
Wondra Flour is used (2.5 tablespoons) to thicken the sauce quickly and eliminate the raw flour taste.
Can I save the pasta water?
Yes, you should reserve one cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
What type of broth is required?
The recipe uses one 14.5 ounce can of chicken broth.
When do I add the fat-free half-and-half?
Stir in the fat-free half-and-half at the end, after the shrimp are cooked, and heat through without boiling.
What kind of onion should I use?
One small minced onion is used to provide a savory base for the sauce.
What is the garnish for this dish?
The dish is topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
How much olive oil is used?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used in combination with the butter spread for sautéing.
Is this dish suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and ideal for weeknight meals or entertaining guests.
How do I know when the onions are ready?
Sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is translucent, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes.
Should the sauce be boiled after adding the dairy?
No, you should lower the heat and heat the sauce through without letting it come to a boil.
How much red pepper flakes are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe specifies chopped fresh parsley to be added to the sauce and as a garnish.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the skillet.
How long do I cook the flour mixture?
Stir the flour continuously for about 3 minutes to eliminate the raw taste.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
Add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
What is the suggested cooking order for the liquids?
First pour in the white wine and chicken broth, add spices, then allow the sauce to thicken before adding shrimp.
Is this a seafood recipe?
Yes, it is categorized under seafood and specifically features shrimp.
How much butter spread is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of Smart Balance butter spread.
Is the pasta water salted?
Yes, you should cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water.
How is the parmesan cheese prepared?
The parmesan cheese should be freshly grated.
How much fat-free half-and-half is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of fat-free half-and-half.
What is the final step before serving?
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the shrimp mixture until well coated before serving hot.