Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
Discover this easy and protein-rich Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta recipe designed specifically to survive the school lunch bag and fuel hungry teens.
Pack a light, protein-packed seafood pasta lunch featuring tender sautéed shrimp and crisp broccoli florets tossed with whole-wheat penne in a delicate garlic-olive oil sauce. Designed for school meal prep, it provides 32 grams of lean protein and delicious flavor.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 3 cups whole-wheat penne pasta (cooked al dente)
- 🫗 1 lb medium shrimp (peeled, deveined, and cooked)
- 🫗 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed tender-crisp)
- 🫗 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice
- 🫗 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
Cook whole-wheat penne al dente, drain, and toss with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Sauté peeled shrimp and steamed broccoli florets in olive oil and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes until warm and fragrant.
Combine the pasta with the garlic shrimp, broccoli, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese, tossing gently.
Divide the shrimp and broccoli pasta evenly across four airtight meal-prep bento containers.
Allow containers to cool completely before securing lids and storing in the refrigerator.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Overcooking shrimp: Cook shrimp briefly so they stay tender and juicy rather than rubbery when reheated.
- ✕
Sealing warm containers: Let the meal cool completely before snapping container lids shut.
🔄 Variations
Chicken breast swap: Substitute diced grilled chicken breast for the shrimp.
Gluten-free swap: Substitute certified gluten-free pasta noodles.
Nut-free safety: 100% nut-free and school-safe for all allergen policies.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
Refrigerator life: Store sealed meal-prep containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- 📦
Cooler habits: Pack with an ice pack in an insulated lunch bag to maintain ideal seafood freshness.
💡 Chef Tips
Olive oil anti-stick trick: Tossing cooked pasta with olive oil before mixing keeps individual noodles from clumping together in your lunchbox.
Gentle reheating: Enjoy chilled as a refreshing seafood pasta salad or microwave for 60 seconds for a warm meal.
Bento balance: Combining lean seafood with fiber-rich broccoli and whole grains creates an ideal student lunch.
❓ FAQ
Can shrimp pasta be eaten cold at school? A
Yes, chilled shrimp and broccoli pasta salad makes a refreshing and satisfying lunchbox meal.
Are these ingredients completely nut-free? A
Yes, this recipe is 100% nut-free and school-safe.
How do I keep the pasta from clumping? A
Tossing freshly drained pasta with olive oil prevents noodles from sticking together in meal prep containers.
🔗 Related Recipes
.webp)
About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →