Skinny Shrimp (or Chicken) Alfredo Pasta - Yowsas!

Y'ALL... you know I'm excited when I start  a sentence with that... I tried this Pinterest recipe the other night and was blown away by how incredibly delicious it was.  I love me a good alfredo sauce and never thought there could be a skinny version as good as the full fat thing.  But there is!  This recipe came from Damn Delicious.  I think the name fits.  :)  We love shrimp in the Thomas house but if you are not a seafood fan you could definitely sub chicken and it would be just as tasty.


Ingredients

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (I buy the frozen kind)
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt (or regular) and ground pepper, to taste
• 8 oz whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 (14.5) oz can petite diced tomatoes, drained (I left these out)
• 1/2 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (I used cayenne pepper)
• 2 Tablespoons grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (I left out)

For Alfredo Sauce

• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (I used 4 Tablespoons of the pre-minced garlic in a jar)
• 1 Tablespoon flour
• 1 (6 oz) can 2% evaporated milk
• 1 ounce light cream cheese
• 1/4 cup chicken broth, or more, to taste
• Kosher salt (or regular) and ground pepper, to taste

Directions

1. To melt the alfredo sauce, melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Whisk in flour until thick, about 1 minute.  Gradually whisk in evaporated milk, and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes.  Stir in cream cheese and chicken broth until smooth, about 1 minute.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add more chicken broth as needed to reach desired consistency.  *If you have a warmer place the pan of sauce on the warmer.  If not, it's okay to set aside while you move on to the shrimp since you will reheat it later.*
3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  
4. Thaw shrimp, if frozen, and remove tails.  Put in bowl and pour in 2 Tablespoons of oil and season with salt and pepper.  Toss to coat evenly.  
5. Pour shrimp onto greased baking sheet and roast until pink and cooked through, about 6 - 8 minutes.  Remove from oven and set aside.
6. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain well.
7. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.  Lightly coat an 8X8 baking dish with nonstick spray.
8. In a large bowl combine shrimp, pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, red pepper and alfredo sauce.  Add pasta mixture to prepared baking dish and top with Parmesan.
9. Place in oven and bake until golden brown and cheese has melted, about 10 - 15 minutes.

 *Not my photo but it actually came out looking pretty similar*

What's that you say?  You want to see more pics of my handsome guys?  In the words of any successful Chick Fil A employee...My Pleasure!

This boy seriously impresses me.  So much improvement in such a short time.

 Taking a little rest.  That catcher stuff is hard work!

I mean... I really have no words.  This guy truly leaves me speechless sometimes.

Make it a great week, y'all!

*Jewels

Three Months? Too Long!

I cannot believe it has been over three months since I have posted.  I really, really miss putting my random thoughts onto paper computer screen so I will definitely try to post more regularly.

Now...how in the world do I catch you up on the last three months?  I am still loving my (not so new anymore) job.  The people are awesome...seriously, awesome.  My boss is just amazing.  And I'm not just saying that because she might stumble across this post some day.  Ha!  I feel truly blessed to finally be at a place where I can stay for a long, long time.

Garrett is still loving his job and doing great there.  He also has another job that keeps him quite busy these days.  He is the head coach of a select baseball team in Rockwall.  Go Jacks!  I am loving Garrison being back in baseball after taking a season off and he and Garrett are both really enjoying all of the extra time together.  I am so proud of the way Garrett is teaching and encouraging these 9 year old boys.  And after leaving an incredibly close team I am grateful we have some really cool families on this new team.  Here are some baseball pics for ya'!

I mean, seriously, when did he grow up?!

 

Pretty cool shot Ethan got at one of the tournaments while playing with my phone.

Ethan's favorite part of the game is the "1,2,3 JACKS" chant at the end.  He had to be right there with the big boys!  :)

Go #8!  He is still working on batting but this boy is a crazy good catcher.  So proud!

My main man!  <3  

Oh, this guy...he always keeps us laughing (and keeps me running) at games.  I believe he was being a lion in this particular shot.  :)

After losing both of my grandmothers recently there have definitely been some sad times but I truly feel their presence every now and then.  And I love that so many happy memories are being created just after their passing.  My cousin and his wife brought a beautiful baby girl into the world, another cousin recently got married and another cousin will be getting married in a couple of weeks.  There is just something about family that makes everything right in the world.  <3

I have realized lately how incredibly blessed I am to have the extended family I do.  I always knew the Gerbers were a fun, loud, crazy, hilarious bunch but the amount of love that flows through this family is just beyond words.  I am forever grateful to God for placing me with them.

Me and a few of my fav cousins (and most favorite sister) after Kaitlyn's bridal shower.  

Me, the Bride to Be and Ethan... Don't mind those clothespins ;)

At Ashli's wedding...such a fun night!

This guy was a dancing fool!  And he looked like quite a stud, I must say!

We have had a lot of family time lately.  I wonder if these guys will ever realize how lucky they are to have such great grandparents.  Nana, where are you when I need a picture?!

We had a beautiful snow day earlier this year and it was so much fun getting to go out with the boys and play.

And I'll leave you with two of my favorite recent pictures of these adorable boys.  And again I say, God, what did I do to deserve these guys?!

~Jewels*