Dining out often presents an opportunity to indulge in meals that combine both complexity and comfort; dishes that are sometimes just too labor-intensive for a weeknight kitchen venture.
However, the thrill of re-creating a restaurant favorite like Cheesecake Factory’s Bistro Shrimp Pasta in the comfort of your own home can be irresistibly appealing. This dish, a delightful mix of creamy sauce, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta, can turn an ordinary evening into a special occasion.
Bistro Shrimp Pasta
Why does the Bistro Shrimp Pasta stand out? Its roots can be traced back to the traditional Italian shrimp scampi, but with a twist that includes crispy shrimp and a lemon basil cream sauce. This dish exemplifies how American restaurants often modify traditional recipes to increase their appeal by amplifying flavors and adding texture contrasts.
The choice of pasta—whether spaghetti, linguini, or angel hair—also plays a critical role in the dish’s success, with each type offering a different mouthfeel and sauce adherence.
Nutritional Profile: Shrimp & Pasta
Shrimp is a nutritional powerhouse, providing high-quality protein, essential vitamins like B12, minerals such as selenium, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy a high-protein meal without a high-calorie count, aiding in weight management and muscle maintenance. Additionally, shrimp contains antioxidants that support brain and heart health.1
Pasta, especially when made from whole grains, offers its own benefits. It is a good source of energy, providing carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which help with digestion and prolonged satiety.
Whole-wheat pasta is particularly beneficial, containing nutrients like folate, which is crucial for cell development, and minerals such as manganese, which aids carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant defenses.2
Making it Healthier
To enhance the nutritional value of the Cheesecake Factory’s Bistro Shrimp Pasta while maintaining its delightful taste, consider these adjustments:
- Opt for Whole-Wheat Pasta: Use whole-wheat pasta to increase dietary fiber and nutrient content.
- Lighten the Sauce: Substitute the full-fat cream with a lower-fat option or use a small amount of flour to thicken the sauce instead of cream, reducing the overall fat content.
- Increase Vegetable Intake: Add vegetables like spinach or asparagus to the dish to boost its vitamin and mineral profile.
- Adjust Cooking Methods: Consider sautéing or grilling the shrimp instead of frying to reduce the amount of added fat.
Bistro Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 1 lb pasta cooked al dente
- 1/2 cup mushrooms quartered
- 1 cup tomatoes halved (preferably grape tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
Lemon Basil Cream Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 4 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup fresh basil chopped
Breaded Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp deveined, tail-on
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta and Vegetables:
- Sauté mushrooms in olive oil until tender.
- Add tomatoes and cook until just warm.
- Boil pasta with salt until al dente, then toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Make the Lemon Basil Cream Sauce:
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic.
- Pour in cream and broth, simmering until reduced by half.
- Mix lemon juice with cornstarch until smooth, then whisk into the simmering sauce, adding basil and pepper last.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Combine flour, garlic powder, panko, and Italian seasoning.
- Dip shrimp in beaten eggs, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Fry in a mixture of butter and olive oil until golden.
Assemble the Dish:
- Toss pasta with vegetables and cream sauce.
- Top with crispy shrimp and additional basil if desired.
Nutrition
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.