Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Greek shrimp pasta! It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the best of the Mediterranean in one bite. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of sautéed garlic and shrimp filled my kitchen, and I could hardly wait to dig in. The sweet cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese create a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients! Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests. It’s that good!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Greek shrimp pasta. Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking, as it makes the process so much smoother!
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences, especially with the olives and feta! Enjoy the prep—it’s part of the fun!
How to Prepare Greek Shrimp Pasta
Now let’s dive into making this delightful Greek shrimp pasta! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll love every step.
Cooking the Spaghetti
First things first, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Don’t forget to generously salt it—this is your chance to flavor the pasta! Follow the package instructions and cook 8 oz of spaghetti until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it’s done, reserve about a cup of pasta water (trust me on this!), drain the rest, and set the spaghetti aside. This little trick with the pasta water will help you later to create a luscious sauce.
Sautéing the Shrimp
While your spaghetti cooks, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Now, it’s shrimp time! Add in 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking them until they turn that beautiful pink color, which should take around 3-4 minutes. You’ll want to give them a little stir to ensure they cook evenly—oh, the smell is heavenly!
Combining Ingredients
Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of sliced Kalamata olives, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Let everything mingle for a couple of minutes until the tomatoes start to soften. Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add your cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing everything together. If it seems a bit dry, drizzle in some of that reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. Finally, sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley over the top. Give it one last toss, season with salt and pepper to your liking, and there you have it—a gorgeous Greek shrimp pasta ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors that brighten any meal.
- Healthy ingredients like shrimp, tomatoes, and olives make it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Customizable—adjust ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect for impressing guests or a cozy family dinner!
Tips for Success
To make your Greek shrimp pasta truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t skimp on the salt when boiling your pasta; it’s crucial for flavor. If you prefer a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. For a creamier texture, consider mixing in a splash of pasta water before serving. And if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some spinach or arugula for added greens! Serve it fresh with a squeeze of lemon on top to brighten the dish even more. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delicious Greek shrimp pasta. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices, but this will give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in!
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also provides a good boost of protein and healthy fats, making it a well-rounded meal. Enjoy every bite, knowing it’s both delicious and nourishing!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp can work just as well in this Greek shrimp pasta. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a quick thaw. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as frozen shrimp may take a minute or two longer to cook through. You’ll still get that juicy, flavorful bite!
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing or you’re looking for alternatives, you have options! Goat cheese is a fantastic substitute, offering a similar tangy flavor with a creamy texture. You could also use ricotta or even a vegan feta if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that each substitute will bring its own unique twist to the dish!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten Greek shrimp pasta into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or pasta water to bring back that delicious flavor. Don’t worry, it’ll still taste amazing!
Serving Suggestions
To make your Greek shrimp pasta dinner even more delightful, consider serving it alongside a crisp Greek salad, bursting with cucumbers, red onions, and olives drizzled with a simple lemon vinaigrette. A warm, crusty baguette or some garlic bread is perfect for soaking up those delicious flavors. And don’t forget a refreshing glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon—it adds that extra touch of Mediterranean charm to your meal!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For more information on the health benefits of shrimp, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Greek Shrimp Pasta: 5 Reasons It Will Delight You
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Mediterranean
Description
A delicious Greek-inspired pasta dish with shrimp.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, olives, and oregano.
- Mix in cooked spaghetti and toss well.
- Remove from heat and add feta cheese and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Adjust ingredients based on personal preference.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: greek shrimp pasta