Shrimp And Lemon Pasta Recipe

Shrimp and Lemon Pasta is a dish that, made with the right ingredients, is very healthy, nutritious and appetizing.

Pasta with shrimp and lemon can be enjoyed as a main course. Or as a single dish, depending on the quantities. They are also suitable for people with lactose and gluten intolerance, if you choose pasta suitable for celiac people. In addition, they appeal to both children and adults and it is a good way to include fish in the diet of the child.

Nutritional intake

The benefits of wholemeal pasta

To make the dish more complete, it is recommended to replace traditional pasta with whole-grain pasta, made from unrefined wheat flour.

Wholemeal pasta has a high carbohydrate content (75 grams per 100 grams of product), which makes it a very energetic food, ideal to consume before performing an activity of great physical demand.

These macronutrients provided are slowly absorbed, so that energy is released gradually, which helps to maintain the feeling of fullness for longer.

The fat intake is very low and is composed of plant sterols and cholesterol free, therefore it is a healthy food for the heart and suitable for consumption in diets adapted to control high cholesterol. In addition, this dish contains a considerable amount of vegetable fibers. This promotes the regulation of cholesterol and glucose in the blood.

The benefits of shrimp

Shrimp is a crustacean similar in appearance and taste to prawns, but it is smaller and has longer antennae. It provides 80 kcal per 100 grams of edible portion and has a high water and protein content.

This product contains relatively high cholesterol levels.  In fact, one serving covers half of the cholesterol levels recommended in a healthy and balanced diet. However, if eaten in moderation and combined with low fat foods like pasta, it is okay to include it in a healthy diet.

Shrimp contain a high percentage of essential minerals such as iodine, zinc, potassium and phosphorus. They also contain high amounts of vitamin B12 : one serving of these shellfish doubles the recommended daily intake of this nutrient.

Lemon shrimp pasta

Once the nutritional characteristics of the main ingredients have been understood, we give you the ingredients as well as the steps to follow in developing this recipe.

Ingredients (4 people)

• 300 grams of pasta
• 250 grams of prawns
• 3 lemons
• 150 g cream cheese
• Basil
• Garlic powder
• extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation

• First, put a frying pan over medium heat with two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and, once at temperature, add the prawns previously washed and peeled.
• Cook them for 7 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Then remove them and place them on absorbent paper to remove excess fat.
• Grate the lemons without reaching the white part, set aside to decorate later and cut them into small pieces.
• Then, in the same pan used to prepare the shrimp, add the pieces of fruit. Stir to help them release their juice.
• Meanwhile, boil about a liter of water with oil and salt and cook the pasta according to the directions on the package.
• When the lemons have expelled their juice, remove them using kitchen tongs. Then  add the cream cheese.
• If you want a finer texture, you can add a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water.
• Add the pasta to the pan with the sauce and the shrimp.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste and add the garlic powder, basil and lemon zest. Your dish is ready to eat!

You can replace the cream cheese with a soy preparation suitable for vegans and intolerant people or with lactose-free cheese. You can also choose the pasta that best meets your needs. This recipe goes very well with a vegetable salad or a vegetable cream for a nutritious and balanced lunch or dinner.