Pasta with Escarole and Shrimp
Yogurt and feta create a bright, tangy sauce for this Greek-inspired dish.
Yogurt and feta create a bright, tangy sauce for this Greek-inspired dish.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- coarse salt and ground pepper
- 1/3 cup nonfat plain greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves sliced
- 3/4 pound short pasta such as campanelle or farfalle
- 1 large head escarole, trimmed and cut crosswise into 1-i
- 3/4 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 7 ounces feta crumbled (1 3/4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh dill
- Carbohydrate 49.8460411161325 g
- Cholesterol 235.513663322 mg
- Fat 20.7423197619472 g
- Fiber 0.0314999985694885 g
- Protein 34.0375752932675 g
- Saturated Fat 8.90625313141146 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (229g)
- Sodium 1283.41069685577 mg
- Sugar 49.814541117563 g
- Trans Fat 1.7944574276871 g
- Calories 528 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 1 minute less than package instructions.
- Add escarole and cook 1 minute.
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, and cook until opaque throughout, 4 minutes.
- Add pasta mixture and 1/4 cup pasta water and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
- Stir in yogurt, feta, and dill.
- If necessary, add remaining pasta water to create a light sauce that coats pasta.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Pasta with Escarole and Shrimp: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Meal
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. But trust me, this Pasta with Escarole and Shrimp recipe is a lifesaver! It’s quick, easy, and bursting with fresh flavors that will impress even the pickiest eaters (including my two!). The combination of tender shrimp, slightly bitter escarole, and a creamy, tangy yogurt-feta sauce is simply divine. It's the kind of recipe that makes weeknights feel a little less chaotic and a lot more satisfying.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out the shrimp for chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. The escarole adds a lovely slightly bitter counterpoint to the richness of the sauce and the sweetness of the pasta, but you could also substitute spinach or kale if you prefer. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze! One pot and one skillet – my kind of cooking after a long day at the office. This pasta dish is a perfect example of how simple, fresh ingredients can create a truly memorable meal. The vibrant flavors and satisfying textures make it a wonderful option for a casual weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for a small gathering with friends.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There’s no need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few staple pantry items and some fresh produce are all you need to create a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. The creamy yogurt-feta sauce is the star of the show. The tanginess of the feta perfectly complements the richness of the yogurt, creating a balanced and delicious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. A sprinkle of fresh dill adds a final touch of freshness and brightness.
Beyond its deliciousness and ease of preparation, this Pasta with Escarole and Shrimp is also incredibly healthy. Packed with protein from the shrimp and plenty of vitamins and minerals from the escarole, it’s a nutritious meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. I often double the recipe, so I have leftovers for lunch the next day – another win for a busy schedule! This recipe has become a staple in my family's rotation, a testament to its deliciousness and convenience. I'm thrilled to share it with you, hoping it becomes a go-to meal in your home too. It’s the perfect example of how a simple, healthy meal doesn't have to sacrifice taste or convenience.
The recipe’s adaptability is another reason I love it. It’s easily customizable to your preferences. If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or Parmesan. Love spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. The possibilities are endless! And the best part is, no matter how you adapt it, the result will always be a delicious and satisfying meal. So, next time you’re short on time but craving something flavorful and healthy, reach for this recipe. It's a surefire way to impress yourself and your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen.
This pasta dish is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of my commitment to healthy, delicious, and time-efficient cooking. It represents the balance I strive for in my own life – finding time for my family, my career, and my passion for creating wonderful meals from humble ingredients. I hope this recipe brings a touch of that balance to your life as well. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!
