Description
A delicious low-calorie shrimp ziti recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces ziti noodles, cooked al dente per package instructions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 31/2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and thawed
- 1 cup peas, frozen
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 11/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/21/2 teaspoon black pepper
- parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Shrimp: Start by sautéing the shrimp in a pan with olive oil until they are just turning pink and opaque. They should look slightly firm and have a lovely seafood aroma, which indicates they are done. This usually takes about 5 minutes as it is easy to overcook shrimp, so keep a close eye on them.
- Add Pasta and Sauce: Mix in the cooked ziti and the crushed tomatoes along with half-and-half, stirring gently. Ensure everything blends well, and the sauce envelops the pasta nicely. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
- Simmer and Combine: Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to meld the flavors. You should hear a gentle bubbling, and your kitchen will start to smell amazing. Giving it time really helps the dish come together beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the ziti into bowls and garnish with parsley or additional parmesan cheese as desired. The dish should look enticing with vibrant colors. Do not skip the taste test before serving; adjust the seasoning if necessary, but be mindful of the salt if you are monitoring sodium intake.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 or 3 days.
- Expert Tips: If shrimp are overcooked, only cook them until they turn pink and opaque, usually about 5 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until a smooth consistency is reached.
- To prevent sticky pasta, a quick rinse with cold water can help separate the noodles after cooking.
- For a quick meal, use frozen shrimp and cook them directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time slightly.
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 356
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg