Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful, light, and healthy dish inspired by coastal Mediterranean cuisine. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in olive oil with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and herbs, then tossed with al dente pasta and finished with lemon juice, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese. It’s the perfect quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Prep & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine (or pasta of choice)
Salt for pasta water
For the Shrimp:
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth (optional but recommended)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Optional: Kalamata olives or baby spinach (for extra Mediterranean flair)
Instructions:
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the shrimp:
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
Sauté shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics and tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add cherry tomatoes.
Sauté until tomatoes soften and release some juices (about 3–4 minutes).
Deglaze and build the sauce:
Add white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice to the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Stir in lemon zest and return shrimp to the pan.
Combine pasta and finish:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Stir in fresh parsley and crumble in feta cheese. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve:
Plate the pasta and top with extra feta, parsley, and lemon wedges if desired.
Serve hot with warm crusty bread or a side salad.
Serving Suggestion:
Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Enjoy it al fresco for a true Mediterranean feel!
Tips for Best Results:
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:
Shrimp cook quickly—2 to 3 minutes per side is enough. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Use Fresh Garlic:
Freshly minced garlic adds a bold, authentic flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic in oil for best results.
Salt Your Pasta Water Well:
It should taste like the sea! This is your first chance to flavor the pasta.
Reserve Pasta Water:
A splash of starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce and pasta together, creating a silky finish.
Use Good Olive Oil:
Since this dish is light and oil-based, using high-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Variations:
Make It Creamy:
Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese after sautéing the garlic for a creamy Mediterranean-style sauce.
Add Greens:
Toss in a handful of baby spinach, arugula, or kale just before adding the pasta. It will wilt slightly and add color and nutrients.
Use Zoodles or Whole Wheat Pasta:
For a low-carb or whole-grain option, swap out regular pasta for spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or whole wheat spaghetti.
Try Different Proteins:
Substitute shrimp with scallops, diced chicken breast, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian protein.
Add Mediterranean Extras:
Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts add briny, rich Mediterranean flavors.
Make It Spicy:
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Feta-Free Option:
If you’re avoiding dairy, leave out the feta or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like a cashew crumble or almond ricotta.
Lemon Swap:
If you don’t have fresh lemon, a splash of white balsamic or red wine vinegar can offer a bit of acidity to balance the dish.
Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw them fully before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing.
Q: What type of pasta works best?
A: Spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair are great choices. For a more rustic feel, penne or fusilli also work well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients (clean shrimp, chop garlic and tomatoes) in advance. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Q: What can I use instead of wine?
A: You can substitute the wine with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even a bit of lemon juice diluted with water.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Only slightly, due to optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust or omit them to suit your taste.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate):
Calories: 430
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 190mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620mg
Vitamin C: 20% DV
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 10% DV
Note: Nutrition will vary based on portion size and exact ingredients used.
Conclusion:
Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a perfect blend of quick cooking, fresh ingredients, and vibrant coastal flavors. It’s the ideal dish when you want something impressive yet effortless—whether for a weeknight dinner or a dinner party. With juicy garlic-infused shrimp, bursts of tomato, creamy feta, and zesty lemon, every bite brings a taste of the Mediterranean sun to your table.