There’s something magical about Greek shrimp spaghetti, a dish that dances on your taste buds like a Mediterranean breeze. Imagine perfectly cooked spaghetti twirling around plump, juicy shrimp, all bathed in a vibrant sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and just the right amount of feta cheese. Each bite is not just a meal; it’s a mini vacation to the sun-drenched shores of Greece. The aromas wafting through your kitchen will have you dreaming of olive trees and azure seas.
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. It turned into an impromptu dinner party with laughter echoing off the walls. My dad claimed he hadn’t eaten that well since our last trip to Santorini (which, to be fair, was quite some time ago). Each forkful sparked joy and nostalgia, making it the perfect recipe for any occasion—from casual weeknights to festive gatherings. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for this flavorful adventure.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Greek shrimp spaghetti is easy to prepare and packed with flavor that transports you straight to the Mediterranean
- The colorful presentation makes it visually stunning on any dinner table
- You can easily customize it based on what seafood or veggies you have at home
- Perfect for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions
I still chuckle when I recall how my brother tried to impress his date by attempting to twirl the spaghetti like a pro—let’s just say, he wore more sauce than he managed to eat.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Spaghetti: Use high-quality pasta; it really makes a difference in texture and flavor.
Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp for a satisfying bite; frozen works but thaw completely before cooking.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes are perfect; they burst with flavor as they cook down.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; don’t skimp! The aroma alone will make everyone hungry.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta gives a salty tang that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of shrimp and tomatoes.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors; drizzle some over at serving for extra richness.
Fresh Basil: Brighten up the dish with fragrant basil leaves; they offer freshness that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up; it’s like sunshine in your bowl!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Start by preparing your ingredients: Gather everything you need and chop your garlic and basil so they’re ready to go. Trust me, nothing feels worse than searching through drawers while your pasta threatens to boil over.
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes should do it. Drain the pasta but save about half a cup of pasta water for later.
Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant before tossing in your shrimp. Cook until they’re pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes depending on their size.
Add Tomatoes and Flavorings: Once the shrimp are fully cooked, add halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet along with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Cook them down until they soften and start bursting—about 5 minutes should do it!
Toss It All Together: Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with your shrimp mixture. Pour in reserved pasta water gradually until you reach desired sauce consistency. Stir in crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil till everything is well combined.
Serve & Enjoy!: Plate up generous servings of this delicious Greek shrimp spaghetti! Garnish with additional feta and basil if you’re feeling fancy (or just want more flavor). Watch as everyone digs in—this dish is guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Now go ahead, take that first bite—you’ll find yourself transported to sunny shores where every meal feels like an occasion!
You Must Know
- This Greek shrimp spaghetti brings the Mediterranean right to your kitchen, blending vibrant flavors and aromas
- The quick cooking time makes it perfect for busy weeknights while still impressing family and friends at the dinner table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing shrimp in olive oil, then cook spaghetti while preparing a fresh tomato sauce. This ensures everything is ready simultaneously for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for scallops or add spinach for extra nutrition. A sprinkle of feta cheese can also enhance the Mediterranean flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep shrimp fresh by selecting those that are firm and smell like the sea
- Avoid overcooking them; they should be just opaque
- Cooking pasta al dente adds a delightful bite that pairs perfectly with the sauce
Sharing this dish with family reminded me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where laughter mingled with aromas of garlic and herbs, creating memories that last a lifetime.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for Greek shrimp spaghetti?
Yes, just ensure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Spaghetti is ideal, but you can use linguine or fettuccine for a different twist.
How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to enjoy a delicious vegetarian version.
Greek Shrimp Spaghetti
Greek Shrimp Spaghetti is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. Featuring tender shrimp and al dente spaghetti enveloped in a bright, garlicky sauce of fresh tomatoes and feta cheese, this meal is not just easy to prepare but also visually stunning. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, each bite transports you to sun-soaked shores filled with culinary magic.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping garlic and basil.
- Boil a large pot of salted water; cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; cook until tomatoes soften (about 5 minutes).
- Toss in drained spaghetti along with reserved pasta water gradually until desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in feta cheese and basil.
- Serve warm garnished with extra feta and basil as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 310g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
