High-Protein Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp

• 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, patted dry
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• Cooking oil spray

Pasta + Alfredo Sauce

• 1 lb Barilla Protein+ fettuccine or linguine
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk
• 1/3 cup reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic paste
• 1/2 to 1 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
• Optional: fresh parsley or cilantro

Directions

• Cook the pasta until al dente. Before draining, save about 1 cup of pasta water.
• Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder and cayenne.
• Lightly spray a large pan with oil and cook the shrimp over medium-high heat about 2 minutes per side, until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
• Blend the milk, cream cheese, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cayenne and garlic paste until smooth.
• Pour the sauce into the same pan over medium-low heat and warm gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding a splash of pasta water at a time until the sauce is creamy and glossy.
• Stir in the mozzarella, then add the shrimp back in. Toss until creamy and heated through.
• Finish with parsley and grated Parmesan.

High-protein version by @amateurprochef: about 635 cal / 55g protein per serving (makes 4). Source: Instagram.