This Shrimp Mediterranean recipe was inspired by the Mediterranean Diet, considered one of the healthiest diets in the world. And there’s a lot of reasons for that. The ancient Greeks and Romans knew the importance of nutrition. Their diet consisted mostly with grains. Next came fresh Vegetables and Fruit which grew in abundance in the region. Also plentiful was olives which they crushed into olive oil and used in their cooking as well as a dip for their breads. And, of course, because of the Mediterranean Sea, fish was in abundance as well.
Shrimp Mediterranean
Only 448 calories in this potassium-packed, vitamin-rich dish!
We know today the health aspects of this type of diet result in a lowered incidence of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Plus, this diet helps your brain to function better. What can be better? Except perhaps to lose some weight, and actually this diet helps that as well. I suppose I’ve always followed this type of diet because I love vegetables and fish so much. I haven’t adhered to the abundance of grains as much as the people of the Mediterranean, and the more I’ve researched it, I think that’s been a mistake. Grains are not only super healthy but they also reduce stress.
So as I was thinking of adding more grains to my diet, I thought of pasta. Maybe a capellini with a sauce that would pick up those wonderful flavors of the Mediterranean. Lemons comes to mind, as well as basil and of course garlic. Lots of garlic. Plus the richness of some chicken broth and a touch of butter.
And then comes the vegetables. Broccoli and asparagus, because I love them. And then tomatoes and spinach for an added measure of health. But this dish also needed shrimp. But not sautéed shrimp. To give this more texture and flavor, it should be grilled with a touch of smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.
The end result is Mediterranean Shrimp with Capellini topped with a salty zing of Feta cheese. And it was perfect. We both love it and, in my humble opinion, this is definitely a restaurant-worthy dish. Totally delicious and super healthy. What could be better?
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Shrimp Mediterranean
Shrimp Mediterranean combines the best of the Mediterranean Diet with fish, vegetables, pasta and a delightful lemon garlic sauce.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time21 mins
Total Time36 mins
Servings: 2 People
Calories: 448
Ingredients
- 4 Oz Capellini About a 1 3/4" bundle
- 7 Large Shrimp
- 1 Tsp Olive oil
- 1/4 Tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/8 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Tsp Pepper
- 2 Tsp Olive oil
- 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 Cup Broccoli florets
- 1 Cup Asparagus Cut into 2" pieces
- 1 Lemon Juiced
- 1 Cup Chicken broth Low sodium
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 2 Tbsp Basil leaves
- 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes
- 2 Cups Spinach Baby spinach preferred
- 2 Tbsp Feta cheese Crumbled
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to boil in a pot and add capellini. Cook until al dente, about 4 minutes. Drain, rinse and divide into serving bowls.
- Heat Griddler to High:In a small bowl add shrimp, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Mix to coat the shrimp. Add shrimp to hot grill and close lid. Cook 2 minutes and set aside.
- Add olive oil to frypan over medium high heat. Add garlic cloves and cook 1 minute. Add broccoli and asparagus and cook 2 more minutes.
- Add lemon juice and chicken broth. Continue cooking until reduced, about 10 minutes.
- Add butter and tomatoes. Cook 1 minute, then add in spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Spoon vegetable mixture over pasta. Add shrimp. Then pour remaining sauce over each bowl. Top with feta cheese and serve.
Notes
If you don't own a Griddler, you can saute the shrimp in a frypan over medium high heat about 2 minutes on each side.
Nutrition
Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 896mg | Potassium: 921mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 4480IU | Vitamin C: 108.5mg | Calcium: 205mg | Iron: 4.5mg
