Drown my pasta dish in a heavy sauce? Never! These days I can’t afford the calories in a creamy sauce, (although I would agree with you that there are light white sauces that are pretty darn good), and I’m not in the mood for another tomato based sauce.
Shrimp and Chard with Pasta
So tonight I let the flavors of chard fresh from the garden, tender shrimp straight from the freezer (ha!), and a quality whole wheat pasta be the stars of the show. With a touch of sweet basil and nutty Parmesan cheese, this was a pasta dish that myself and my weight watching friends can afford to eat.
Happy cooking!
Whole Wheat Pasta with Shrimp and Chard
Fresh! Whole Wheat Pasta with Shrimp and Chard
Serves 4
4 ounces whole wheat pasta, cooked and drained
12 large shrimp , peeled and deveined
6 cups chard, rough chopped
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
½ cup basil, rough chopped
½ cup Parmesan cheese , shredded
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese , shredded
1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Saute chard and garlic for 2 – 3 minutes.
2. Add shrimp and saute another minute until shrimp starts to cook, then add garlic, lemon juice and chicken broth. Cook shrimp and chard another 2 – 3 minutes until shrimp is opaque and just starting to curl.
3. Add pasta and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and basil. Toss to combine.
4. Top with remaining Parmesan and serve.
What’s good for me in this dish?
Chard. Wow! Very high in vitamins K, A and C. Not to mention magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, vitamine E, fiber, copper and tryptophan. What a list. Vitamin K promotes bone health, and vitamin a is essential for vision and lung health. Magnesium is essential for calcium absorption, and both support bone health. Vitacmin C is essential for antioxidant protection and immune support. Potassium supports heart health and iron gives you energy.
Shrimp is low in fat, and higher in cholesterol. Studies show that it can raise HDL and triglyceride levels, good for heart health. It also contains B12, omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory effects, and selenium, copper and zinc.
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 255
Total Fat: 11.38g
Cholesterol: 59mg
Sodium: 393mg
Total Carbs: 23.77g
Dietary Fiber: 1.89g
Sugars: 1.28g
Protein: 13.78g
Weight Watchers Points 6
Nutrition details obtained from whfoods.org, nutritiondata.com, about.com, and abouthomecooking.com.
Chard has never been one of my favorites but this looks yummy.
I can’t say as I’ve ever had it until it came with my csa. I’m trying all kinds of new foods thanks to the csa.
looks very healthy and delicious I am following you as well
hear from you soon
Torviewtoronto recently posted..Beetroot party sandwiches
Thank you!
It’s healthy too! Looks like perfect weeknight meal.
Belinda @zomppa recently posted..Photo of the Day- Giant Gummy
True. Quick to put on the table.
Ok, you gave me a giggle with the “shrimp straight from the freezer.” Everyone’s pulling fresh produce from here and there, it’s nice to see that some things still have to come the usual way, eh? This looks outstanding. I love the taste of chard and think it would go really well with the shrimp. Thanks for posting it.
The Mom Chef recently posted..A Product Review What Would You Choose
I’m glad you found the humor too. Not everything can come fresh from the market.
What a healthy and delicious dish. I love the use of whole wheat pasta and chard. This sounds wonderful. I hope the day treats you well. Blessings…Mary
Mary recently posted..Moules Mariniere – Blue Monday
The day was fine, just wish Seattle would get some real summer weather.
hey, love the non cream shrimp dishes too … the flavors of the shrimp comes about better I think in these sauteed dishes
Drick recently posted..Texas Caviar
I would agree. Shrimp has such a delicate flavor, it gets lost in heavy sauces.
you definitely have something good going on there! I love swiss chard, but never had it with pasta, what a great idea!
Chef Dennis recently posted..Squash Blossom Muffins- and My Riviera Sauce
I was just trying to use up the chard, and it worked.
yummm.. very very healthy and so delicious..
Shree recently posted..Cinnamon Raisin – Dorie Gs version
this sounds delicious!
Scott recently posted..Meatless Monday- Roasted Cherry Tomato Linguine
Thanks Scott!
A very appetizing pasta recipe! Love that small yet useful nutritional details!
alwayswinner786 recently posted..Delicious Strawberry Dessert
I’m glad you are finding the nutrition information helpful. I’ve learned a lot collecting it!
Sounds VERY satisfying!
LL
A lip-smacking dish! The chard mixed into the pasta sounds delightful!
I needed to use the chard, and it really added color and some great nutrition to the dish.
This looks so yum and healthy. I am really getting a bunch of inspiration from your recipes!
A Little Yumminess recently posted..Chocolates so Beautiful – Chocolatier Blue
Thank you so much. I wish I could take credit for this recipe, but it really came from Papparadeli. It was delicious!