Pasta is a must for any true carb-lover. However, regular pasta consumers tend to forget to eat proteins and vegetables because most pasta dishes are just noodles and sauce. This dish, which includes shrimp, green onions, cherry tomatoes and an Alfredo cheese sauce, is great when I want to get my noodle fix and need adequate nutrition.

Start by sautéing the shrimp. I use medium-sized shrimp, but jumbo shrimp works, too. Shrimp is my favorite, but chicken and tofu are good protein substitutions, too. Once the shrimp is done, set it aside and begin boiling water for the pasta. You can use any shape of pasta you prefer. I use rotini because the little grooves collect the cheese sauce, making each bite twice as good. I add olive oil and salt to the pot of boiling pasta for extra flavor, but that is optional. 

While the pasta is boiling, chop the green onions and slice the cherry tomatoes. For those who do not like green onions or tomatoes, tasty substitutes include spinach, broccoli and bell peppers. 

Once the pasta is done, strain the water, return pasta to the pot and add the remaining ingredients. Stir together until cheese is completely melted and blended with the Alfredo sauce. This recipe calls for a minimal amount of Alfredo. However, for a creamier dish, add up to a cup.

Make sure to serve this dish while it is hot. There is nothing worse than crusty pasta. Luckily, this dish can be refrigerated if you make too much or are planning to eat it later. It will taste just as good if it is microwaved. For students on the move who are addicted to pasta but need a source of protein and vegetables, this is a healthier option.

Ingredients

2 cups rotini pasta

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup bottled Alfredo sauce

1/2 cup fresh, shredded parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup shrimp

Instructions

1. Saute shrimp for 7 minutes.

2. Boil pasta for 7 minutes or for recommended time on package. While the pasta is boiling, chop green onions and slice cherry tomatoes in half.

3. Once the pasta is done, strain the water, return pasta to the pot and add remaining ingredients.

4. Stir together for 3 minutes and serve.