Shrimp and Penne Supper
Weeknights will be a breeze when you follow this method for preparing this easy shrimp supper. I saute the garlic and onion in the morning and add the tomatoes. I also stir together the milk, flour and half and half and put both mixtures in the refrigerator. When it's close to dinner time, I just cook the pasta and shrimp and put the few remaining ingredients together, and dinner is served!
Weeknights will be a breeze when you follow this method for preparing this easy shrimp supper. I saute the garlic and onion in the morning and add the tomatoes. I also stir together the milk, flour and half and half and put both mixtures in the refrigerator. When it's close to dinner time, I just cook the pasta and shrimp and put the few remaining ingredients together, and dinner is served!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons olive oil divided
- 3/4 cup fat-free milk
- 1 package (10 ounces) fresh spinach torn
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with basil, oregan
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese divided
- 1 cup fat-free half-and-half
- 2 cups uncooked whole wheat penne pasta
- Carbohydrate 12.7537351989811 g
- Cholesterol 123.49000348 mg
- Fat 4.76339713980882 g
- Fiber 0.393608895661141 g
- Protein 20.5749928267563 g
- Saturated Fat 2.13895711136115 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (156g)
- Sodium 400.541464499382 mg
- Sugar 12.36012630332 g
- Trans Fat 0.5461232428841 g
- Calories 180 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook onion and garlic in 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat for 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper flakes.
- Combine the flour, half-and-half and milk until smooth; gradually stir into skillet. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add spinach; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until spinach is wilted and sauce is thickened. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese.
- Drain pasta and place in a serving bowl. Add sauce and toss to coat; keep warm.
- In the same skillet, cook the shrimp in remaining oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Place over pasta mixture; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
A Weeknight Winner: My Speedy Shrimp and Penne Recipe
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner after a long day can feel like an impossible task. But I've discovered a secret weapon in my arsenal: efficient meal prepping and smart shortcuts. This shrimp and penne recipe is a testament to that! It's a flavorful, satisfying dish that comes together quickly, even on the busiest weeknights.
The key is to do some prep work ahead of time. In the morning, while I'm making my coffee and getting the kids ready for school, I take just a few minutes to sauté the garlic and onion. I add the canned tomatoes, and then whisk together the milk, flour, and half-and-half. These components can sit happily in the fridge until dinnertime. This way, when I'm tired and hungry after work, the most laborious part of the cooking is already done. This isn't just about saving time; it's about reducing stress and enjoying the cooking process.
This recipe is surprisingly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Adding bell peppers or mushrooms would be delicious. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. And, don't hesitate to substitute your favorite cheese for the Parmesan. I've found that a blend of Parmesan and Asiago adds a lovely nutty flavor. The best part? The cleanup is minimal, thanks to using just one skillet. This is the epitome of simple and satisfying weeknight cooking.
Beyond the Recipe: Making Weeknight Dinners Easier
This shrimp and penne recipe is more than just a quick meal; it's a strategy. It embodies my approach to managing a busy household and still finding time to nourish my family with delicious, home-cooked food. Here are some of the principles I apply to make weeknight dinners less stressful:
- Plan ahead: I usually plan my meals for the week on Sunday, making a grocery list and prepping any ingredients I can ahead of time.
- Embrace simple recipes: I focus on recipes with few ingredients and straightforward instructions. This reduces the likelihood of errors and saves time.
- Cook extra: Whenever possible, I cook extra portions of a meal and have leftovers for lunch the next day. This saves time and reduces food waste.
- Get the family involved: My kids are old enough to help with simple tasks in the kitchen, such as washing vegetables or setting the table. This teaches them valuable life skills and makes the process more enjoyable.
- Don't be afraid to improvise: If I don't have a specific ingredient on hand, I'm not afraid to substitute with something similar. Cooking should be creative and flexible!
Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance between healthy eating and a manageable lifestyle. This shrimp and penne recipe is a perfect example of how to achieve that balance. It’s a delicious, nutritious meal that fits seamlessly into the rhythm of a busy week. The best thing is to sit down to a family dinner together, sharing stories and laughter after a long day. This meal is all about connection and savoring life’s simple pleasures.
More than just a recipe: it's a philosophy.
This isn't simply about following instructions; it's about reclaiming the joy of cooking in the midst of chaos. It’s about understanding that a well-planned, simple meal can be just as satisfying, if not more so, than a complicated one. This recipe embodies that concept, proving that healthy, delicious food doesn't need to be an overwhelming undertaking. It’s about celebrating the little victories, the moments of calm amidst the daily rush, and the satisfaction of nourishing those you love with a meal prepared with love.
So, try this recipe. Embrace the prep-ahead strategy, and experience the freedom that comes with having a delicious, healthy dinner ready in minutes, even on the busiest of weeknights. It's a change in mindset, a shift from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered in the kitchen. And that, my friends, is a truly priceless recipe.
