Shrimp is one of those foods that many kids turn up their noses at, but it’s also packed with protein, low in fat and cooks quickly.
It’s an easy way to diversify your family’s dinner routine and is a great source of brain-building nutrients like B12, choline and omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, shrimp is low in mercury compared to other shellfish.
Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp and Peas
When it comes to pasta, there are few dishes that rival fettuccine Alfredo in classic comfort food status. A rich and creamy sauce smothered over al dente pasta and topped with tender shrimp and a little fresh Parmesan cheese, this dish is a hit with kids and adults alike.
The original fettuccine Alfredo is made from a simple mix of cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a classic that’s been around for years, and many of the recipes have resurfaced through the years in various books and magazines.
If you want to make this delicious pasta dish healthier, try replacing the heavy cream with low-fat cream cheese or a combination of half and half and milk. You can even use a non-dairy alternative, like coconut milk, for the same results.
You can serve this dish as a meal or an appetizer. It’s easy to make ahead and reheat on the stove or in the oven for a quick, filling dinner.
To begin, cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Drain and reserve a cup of the cooking water for thickening the sauce if needed.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Gently toss and cook, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside.
Combine butter, Parmesan cheese, and cream in a large saucepan over medium-low heat; whisk until smooth. Simmer, stirring often, until mixture is creamy and thick, 8-10 minutes.
Once the sauce has been reduced to a smooth consistency, stir in shrimp and peas. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are cooked through and sauce has clung to the pasta.
You can use any kind of pasta for this dish, but linguine and bow tie are particularly delicious choices. You can also add other vegetables such as asparagus and green beans.
If you want a more nutritious option, you can substitute whole-wheat fettuccine or penne for this recipe. This version is also a great way to boost the protein and fiber of the dish, while keeping it light on the calories.
Shrimp and Grits
Known as a Southern staple, shrimp and grits is an easy and delicious meal that will satisfy the whole family. The dish can be made quickly and is a great choice for brunch or dinner. It can be served with a variety of side dishes, including a green salad or crusty ciabatta bread.
The origins of shrimp and grits can be traced back to a time when many enslaved African Americans were brought to the US during the slave trade. In some cases, they were unable to afford proper meals, and they would often turn to cooking leftovers for nourishment. The result was that African American cuisine became influenced by the food they had been eating, and recipes like shrimp and grits paved the way for some of the most familiar Southern foods we enjoy today.
This classic dish started out as a breakfast dish and has evolved over the years into an all-day meal. The earliest versions of the recipe call for butter, salt and pepper, which was considered an ideal combination to keep the dish from becoming bland.
To get the most out of your shrimp and grits, make sure to cook them thoroughly. You don’t want to overcook the shrimp, as this will cause them to become rubbery and lose their texture.
For a more creamy shrimp and grits, add heavy cream to the pan with the shrimp before serving. This will help the grits to thicken slightly, making them even more appealing.
Try sprinkling fresh thyme on top, as it has a pleasant aroma and will add a nice flavor to the dish. Other garnishes like scallions, parsley and lemon juice are also very tasty additions to this classic shrimp and grits recipe.
Shrimp and Grits are a popular dish that is enjoyed throughout the country. The dish was originally a South Carolina specialty, but it has since branched out and evolved. It is a classic dish that is enjoyed by people from all over the world, and it’s easy to find it served in restaurants everywhere.
The dish has been around for centuries, and it has changed over the years as it crossed cultures and was adapted by chefs. The original version was a simple dish of shrimp sauteed in bacon grease and served over grits. But chef Richard Neal, a native of South Carolina, took the dish and dressed it up. He now serves it at his restaurant Crook’s Corner in Charleston, and he’s never tired of it.
Spaghetti with Shrimp and Bacon
If you love pasta, you’ll want to try this delicious recipe for spaghetti with shrimp and bacon. It’s quick to make and packed with a ton of flavor! This dish is great for any weeknight dinner or a simple lunch.
It’s a comforting dish that even your kids will enjoy! You’ll only need a few ingredients and this dish is so easy to prepare.
First, you’ll need to fry the bacon until crispy. Save a little of the grease in the pan, as it adds a lot of extra flavor!
Next, you’ll need to cook the shrimp. Be sure to check them regularly so you don’t overcook them. They will turn rubbery and tough if they are cooked too long.
You’ll also need to add a bit of pasta water when you boil the pasta, to help the sauce thicken. This will also help keep the pasta from getting dry and tough.
While the pasta is cooking, you’ll need to prep the rest of the ingredients. You’ll need to mince the garlic, chop the shallots and clean and devein the shrimp.
Once the pasta has been cooked, you’ll need to save a cup of the pasta water and set that aside. This will help the pasta to absorb the flavor of the butter, garlic and white wine that you’ll be using.
When the pasta is done, you’ll need to mix it with the shrimp and bacon in a skillet. You’ll also need to saute the onions and kale in a little of the pasta water.
Finally, you’ll need to sprinkle the top of the pasta with the parmesan cheese. This will add more flavor to the dish and helps the pasta stay fresher longer.
To serve, you’ll need to serve this pasta with a side of salad or veggies. You can even throw in some chopped roasted red peppers, capers or artichoke hearts to give it extra flavor!
The best wine to pair with this pasta dish is a light, Sauvignon blanc. It works well with the smoky flavor of the bacon and the sweetness of the shrimp. If you don’t have a bottle of that, a light Merlot will work as well.
Shrimp and Mango Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps are a great way to make quick, healthy, and delicious meals. They’re easy to customize and are perfect for serving during the summertime!
These shrimp and mango lettuce wraps have a sweet and spicy flavor, topped with a fresh, light salsa. A little toasted coconut and a squeeze of lime juice finish off the wraps!
This recipe is a light meal that is also gluten-free and dairy-free. It’s a delicious option for the whole family and can be made ahead of time.
The shrimp are marinated in a blend of garlic, ginger, honey, soy sauce, red chili flakes, and lime zest. Then they’re grilled for a few minutes, then served with a mango salsa and a few tablespoons of toasted coconut.
You can serve these shrimp and mango lettuce wraps on their own or as a side dish. You can also add shredded carrots, English cucumbers or finely diced red bell pepper for extra texture and crunch.
If you’re making these for a crowd, it’s a good idea to pre-cook the shrimp. You can do this on a grill pan or in a skillet over medium heat. If you’re using a grill, use metal skewers to help flip the shrimp.
While the shrimp are marinating, prepare the mango salsa. In a bowl, combine mango, lime juice, chives, and cilantro. If desired, stir in a few drops of fish sauce or sesame oil for additional depth of flavor.
Once the shrimp are cooked, it’s time to assemble the lettuce wraps. I prefer bibb or butter lettuce for these wraps, but you can also try iceberg or romaine.
You can also add a few sliced carrots, cucumbers, or water chestnuts for extra fiber and nutrition. You can also use a homemade spicy sauce to spice things up!
These shrimp and mango lettuce wraps are a great summertime meal that’s easy to prepare. You can make the shrimp a few hours in advance, and then just assemble the lettuce wraps before serving. You can even add some sour cream, dijon mustard, and lemon juice for a quick dip!