Description
Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts and culinary adventurers! It's a pleasure to welcome you back to my cozy kitchen, where we're about to dive into a taste sensation that has taken the internet by storm: the mesmerizingly delicious Easy Tomato Feta Shrimp Pasta.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups of Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 Block of Feta Cheese - 8 ounces
- 1/4 cup of Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon of Crushed Garlic
- Pinch of Salt and Pepper
- Lemon Zest
- 1 Teaspoon of Oregano
Instructions
- Add 2 cups of cherry tomatoes to a baking dish and place one block feta cheese in the middle. Now drizzle with olive oil and crushed garlic, salt, pepper and lemon zest. Place in the oven at 400 degrees F for 40 minutes.
- While your tomatoes and feta are baking prepare your pasta of choice and sauce or grill your shrimp.
- Remove your tomato feta bake from the oven and mix together the cheese and tomatoes really well you may have to smush some of the tomatoes to make a nice sauce.
- Now add your cooked pasta and cooked shrimp to your cheesy tomato sauce and mix well.
- Ready to serve your feta tomato pasta salad. This can be served hot or cold it is delish both ways! Perfect for a large group and you can even have your proteins on the side to add in case you have friends or family that do not like shrimp as I did.
Notes
- Choose Whole Grain Pasta: Opt for whole grain or whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta. It's higher in fiber and nutrients, making it a better choice for weight management.
- Use Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are naturally sweet and bursting with flavor. Roasting or sautéing them will enhance their taste and bring out their natural juices.
- Incorporate Leafy Greens: Add a handful of fresh spinach or arugula to the pasta. These greens are low in calories and rich in vitamins, providing extra nutrients and a nice contrast to the other flavors.
- Use Reduced-Fat Feta: Opt for reduced-fat feta cheese to cut down on calories while still enjoying the creamy and tangy flavor. Crumble it over the pasta for a satisfying texture.
- Mindful Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes. Aim for a balanced plate by filling half with vegetables, a quarter with pasta, and a quarter with protein (feta cheese in this case).
- Incorporate Lean Protein: Boost the protein content of your dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans. This will help keep you fuller for longer and promote muscle maintenance.
- Lemon Zest and Fresh Herbs: Add brightness to the dish with freshly grated lemon zest and a handful of chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley. These flavors can elevate the overall taste without adding many calories.
- Use Cooking Water: When draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the cooking water. This starchy water can be used to create a light sauce when mixed with the roasted tomatoes, feta, and other ingredients.
- Balance Flavors: Season your dish with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the flavors as needed, perhaps with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a hint of acidity.
- Remember, the key to weight-conscious cooking is moderation and the thoughtful use of nutrient-dense ingredients. Enjoy your pasta dish while savoring every bite!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 2.4 g
- Sodium: 176.8 mg
- Fat: 9.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 7.8 g
- Cholesterol: 16.8 mg