Low-Fat Garlic Shrimp Pasta
A creamy yet light pasta dish with succulent shrimp, garlic, and a touch of lemon for brightness. This italian-inspired quick meals (low-fat) ready in about 45 minutes pairs penne or fusilli pasta, peeled and deveined shrimp, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk
- 2 tbsp, grated (low-fat) parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and just firm. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 4: Whisk in low-fat milk, 2 tbsp parmesan, and lemon juice. Cook for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Toss pasta into the skillet, then add cooked shrimp and 1/4 cup parsley. Stir to coat. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Fat Garlic Shrimp Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Low-Fat Garlic Shrimp Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne or fusilli pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Fat Garlic Shrimp Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Low-Fat Garlic Shrimp Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Low-Fat Garlic Shrimp Pasta low-fat?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-fat based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
