If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious meal prep option, my healthy shrimp protein pasta meal prep bowl recipe is just what you need! Packed with protein from the shrimp and loaded with fresh veggies like spinach and cherry tomatoes, this dish is not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying. The whole wheat pasta adds a lovely texture and fiber, making it a wholesome choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, taking just about 25 minutes from start to finish! Trust me, you’ll love the vibrant flavors and how easy it makes sticking to your meal prep goals. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of goodness!
Ingredients List
Gather these fresh and wholesome ingredients to create your healthy shrimp protein pasta meal prep bowl:
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (uncooked)
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 cups spinach (fresh)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
These simple ingredients come together so beautifully, and you’ll love how vibrant and colorful your meal prep bowls will look! Feel free to mix and match any veggies you have on hand for even more variety.
How to Prepare Instructions
Let’s dive into making this delicious healthy shrimp protein pasta meal prep bowl! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll have a fantastic meal ready in no time.
Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add in your whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it! Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water; it can help in the next steps!
Sautéing the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—oh, the smell is heavenly! Next, toss in the shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. You’ll know they’re done when they curl up a bit—just like magic!
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the shrimp, cooking just until the spinach wilts—about 2 minutes. Then, gently fold in your cooked pasta. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of that reserved pasta water! Give everything a good toss so it’s well combined, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Voilà!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of my healthy shrimp protein pasta meal prep bowl is roughly estimated to contain about 350 calories. You’ll get a delightful 25 grams of protein to keep you satisfied, along with 10 grams of fat and 45 grams of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust according to your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy this nutritious meal guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Packed with protein from shrimp, making it a filling meal.
- Colorful veggies like spinach and cherry tomatoes add freshness and nutrients.
- Perfect for meal prep—store in airtight containers for a week of delicious lunches.
- Versatile! Customize with your favorite vegetables or spices for endless variations.
- Whole wheat pasta provides fiber, keeping you satisfied longer.
- Everyone will love the vibrant flavors—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success
To ensure your healthy shrimp protein pasta meal prep bowl turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly, so keep an eye on them! If you’re looking for a twist, feel free to swap whole wheat pasta for quinoa or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Also, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for an extra burst of flavor. Lastly, if you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing them in airtight containers to keep everything fresh. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your healthy shrimp protein pasta meal prep bowl! Try adding some bell peppers or zucchini for extra crunch and color. You could also toss in some asparagus or broccoli for a delightful veggie medley. If you want to spice things up, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of curry powder for a unique twist. And don’t forget about herbs! Fresh basil or dill can bring a fresh pop of flavor that will elevate your dish. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your healthy shrimp protein pasta meal prep bowl is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it into airtight containers. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep! When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious bowl again, just pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If it feels a bit dry, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to bring back that lovely moisture. Enjoy your tasty, healthy meal any day of the week!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. It saves time and is super convenient!
Can I meal prep this dish for the week?
Yes, this healthy shrimp protein pasta meal prep bowl is perfect for making ahead. Store it in airtight containers and enjoy it throughout the week!
What can I substitute for whole wheat pasta?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using brown rice pasta or spiralized zucchini for a lighter twist!
How can I add more flavor?
Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or some fresh herbs like basil or cilantro right before serving to brighten up the dish!
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully—making it a fantastic option for your weekly meal prep!
Healthy Shrimp Protein Pasta Meal Prep Bowl Recipe Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A nutritious shrimp pasta meal prep bowl packed with protein.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp turn pink.
- Add spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cook until spinach wilts.
- Combine pasta with shrimp mixture.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Store in airtight containers for meal prep.
- Reheat in microwave before serving.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: healthy shrimp protein pasta meal prep bowl recipe
