Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 oz Fettuccine, uncooked
• 1 cup chopped fresh kale, stems removed
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (about 1/2 oz.)
• 2 cloves garlic, halved
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 cup plain, non-fat yogurt
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta is cooking, in a food processor or blender, puree kale, basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and salt until smooth. Stir in yogurt to create the kale mixture.
3. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-low heat. Saute the shrimp and red bell pepper in the skillet for about 4 minutes or until the shrimp is bright pink and fully cooked.
4. When the pasta is cooked, drain it well and transfer it to a serving bowl. Add the kale mixture to the pasta and toss well to coat.
5. Add the cooked shrimp and bell pepper to the pasta, tossing gently to combine.
6. Serve the pasta immediately while it’s still warm.

This recipe combines the flavors of kale, basil, garlic, and yogurt with succulent shrimp and vibrant bell peppers for a delicious and nutritious pasta dish. Enjoy!

Here are some variations of the recipe:

1. Creamy Avocado Sauce: Replace the yogurt with ripe avocado and blend it with kale, basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of lemon juice. Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy avocado sauce and sautéed shrimp.

2. Lemon and Herb Sauce: Instead of yogurt, mix lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill), and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss the pasta, kale, and shrimp with this zesty sauce.

3. Pesto Shrimp Pasta: Make a traditional basil pesto by blending fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Toss the cooked pasta, kale, and sautéed shrimp in the pesto sauce.

4. Spicy Arrabbiata: Create a spicy tomato sauce by blending canned tomatoes, red pepper flakes, garlic, and basil. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, then add the sautéed shrimp and cooked pasta.

5. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: Sauté the shrimp in a mixture of butter and minced garlic until cooked through. Add lemon zest and lemon juice for a burst of freshness. Toss with pasta and kale.

6. Mediterranean Twist: Replace the yogurt with Greek yogurt and add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the sauce. Toss with pasta and sautéed shrimp.

7. Creamy Alfredo: Make a classic Alfredo sauce with butter, heavy cream, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add sautéed shrimp, pasta, and chopped kale to the creamy sauce.

8. Asian Fusion: Create an Asian-inspired sauce with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Toss the cooked pasta, kale, and shrimp in this flavorful sauce.

9. Lemon Dijon Shrimp: Whisk together Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and honey. Coat the sautéed shrimp in the lemon Dijon mixture and toss with pasta and kale.

10. Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast a mix of colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. Toss them with sautéed shrimp and pasta, then top with grated Parmesan.