Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli Pesto
This Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli Pesto contains 59g protein and 1236 calories per serving — one of the densest protein-per-serving dinners available. Cooks in minutes across 4 servings on the stovetop, consolidating serious protein and calories into a single meal. Built for high-calorie phases or trainees who eat one large dinner instead of splitting macros across multiple meals.
Ingredients
- •Pasta, Whole Wheat, Dry(454g)
- •salt and pepper
- •Shrimp(454g)
- •Olive oil(15g)
Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.
- •Pine Nuts(60g)
- •Broccoli Florets, Frozen(480g)
- •Garlic(240g)
- •Parmesan Cheese(120g)
Grated Parmesan — the shelf-stable canister is fine for cooking.
- •Pine Nuts(60g)
- •Lemon Juice, Fresh(45g)
- •1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- •1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- •Olive oil(120g)
Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.
Instructions
- 1Cook the pasta in a large pot of generously-salted boiling water al dente according to package instructions.
- 2Meanwhile, season the shrimp on both sides with a few generous pinches of salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add shrimp and saute for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through and pink and no longer translucent. Turn off the heat, and transfer shrimp to a separate plate and set aside.
- 3When the pasta is al dente, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta. Return the pasta either to the stockpot where it was cooked, or to the saute pan (with the stove heat turned off). Add the pesto to the pasta, and toss until evenly coated, adding in a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to thin the pesto. Then stir in the shrimp and pine nuts, and serve immediately sprinkled with optional toppings if desired.
- 4Fill a separate large saucepan or stockpot with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and tender. Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon and transfer to the bowl of the food processor fitted with the blade attachment..
- 5Add the garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, lemon juice and salt to the food processor, and process until combined. Then, with the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil until it is incorporated. As mentioned above, if the pesto seems too thick, you can add in a bit of pasta water to thin it out once the pesto is tossed with the pasta.
Nutrition — Per Serving
1236
calories
59g
protein
65g
fat
- Carbohydrates
- 119g
- Saturated fat
- 10.0g
- Sodium
- 723 mg
- Dietary fiber
- 16.5g
4 servings per batch · ~512g each
Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central
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How much protein does Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli Pesto have per serving?
Each serving delivers 59g of protein and 1236 calories, with 65g fat and 119g carbs. This is by far the highest-protein shrimp recipe and the most calorie-dense per serving.
How long does Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli Pesto take to make?
Despite being quick prep, this recipe yields only 4 servings due to the substantial portion size and calorie density. It's designed as a full meal rather than a supplemental component in your daily eating.
Is Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli Pesto good for muscle gain?
At 59g protein and 1236 calories per serving with 119g carbs, this recipe is purpose-built for muscle gain phases requiring significant caloric surplus and high carbohydrate intake. The macros support both substantial protein intake and glycogen-replenishing carbs in a single meal.
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