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Pesto Parmesan Weeknight Shrimp Couscous Skillet with Quick-Pickled Onion, an original WorkLife Meal Plan recipe

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Pesto Parmesan Weeknight Shrimp Couscous Skillet with Quick-Pickled Onion

Basil pesto and nutty Parmesan for instant weeknight appeal. This recipe cooks juicy shrimp, pearl couscous, and spinach together with almost no cleanup, streamlined for the busiest part of the week, with a bright, tangy counterpoint. It is designed for dependable prep, familiar groceries, and a calm family dinner.

FastHigh proteinWeeknightBright flavor
Prep12 min
Cook17 min
Serves4
Total29 min
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What you’ll need

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat pearl couscous
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
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Make it happen

Directions

  1. 1

    Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season shrimp with salt and cook for 90 seconds per side; transfer.

  2. 2

    Add couscous and flavor ingredients to the skillet and stir for 1 minute.

  3. 3

    Pour in broth, cover, and simmer for 9 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and spinach.

  4. 4

    Return shrimp to the pan for 2 minutes, until opaque and hot. Add Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves and serve.

  5. 5

    Toss the onion with vinegar and a pinch of salt; let it stand while the meal cooks, then spoon over the top.

Estimated per serving

Nutrition at a glance

Estimates are provided for planning and are not medical advice.

505calories36gprotein8gfiber