Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta features protein-packed pasta paired with succulent shrimp sautéed in a blend of Cajun spices. Tossed in a luscious cottage cheese-based cream sauce, it’s a flavorful, high-protein meal that’s both satisfying and light on fat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Pasta and Shrimp
- 4 oz (112g) protein pasta, cooked (reserve 1 cup pasta water)
- 2 tsp (8g) olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 lb (454g) shrimp, thawed and deveined
- 1 (165g) red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/3 cup (40g) scallions, sliced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Cottage Cheese Cream Sauce
- 1 cup (226g) low fat cottage cheese (2% fat)
- 1/2 cup (110g) 2% milk (can substitute with skim or whole milk)
- 1/4 cup (32g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the protein pasta: Prepare the protein pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set both aside.
- Sauté the shrimp and vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and optionally 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat. Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Add the sliced red bell pepper and scallions, cooking until they soften slightly.
- Prepare the cottage cheese cream sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, 1/2 cup 2% milk, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked protein pasta to the skillet with shrimp and vegetables. Pour the cottage cheese cream sauce over the mixture. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a creamy consistency, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer and serve: Allow the pasta, shrimp, and sauce to simmer together for a couple of minutes over low heat to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.
Notes
- Use protein pasta to increase the protein content of this dish.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the creaminess of the sauce without diluting flavor.
- The cayenne pepper is optional for those who prefer mild heat.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cottage cheese and Parmesan with vegan alternatives.
- This dish can be prepared quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.