Greek Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe

A Mediterranean Delight That’s Bursting with Flavor

Greek Shrimp Spaghetti is one of those dishes that brings the Mediterranean right to your plate—fresh, vibrant, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying. This dish is a fusion of plump shrimp sautéed in olive oil, tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs, all brought together with perfectly al dente spaghetti. It’s bright, briny, and hearty without feeling heavy—a perfect weeknight meal or a dinner party showstopper.

Why I Love This Recipe

What I absolutely adore about Greek Shrimp Spaghetti is its simplicity and how quickly it comes together while still tasting gourmet. The flavors are bold and balanced: the sweetness of the tomatoes, the saltiness of the feta and olives, the heat from red pepper flakes, and the fresh lift of parsley and lemon. It’s an easy way to transport yourself to a seaside Greek taverna without leaving your kitchen.

This dish is also a fantastic choice for seafood lovers and pasta fans alike—it’s lighter than a cream-based pasta but still indulgent thanks to the olive oil and feta. It’s also easy to tweak to your taste, which I’ll go over in the tips and variations.

Preparation & Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Caloric Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approximately 450–500 kcal
• Protein: ~28g
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Fat: ~20g

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti – 12 oz (340g), preferably whole wheat or regular
• Raw shrimp – 1 lb (450g), peeled and deveined (medium or large)
• Cherry tomatoes – 1.5 cups, halved
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
• Olive oil – 3 tbsp
• Red pepper flakes – ¼ tsp (optional, for heat)
• Kalamata olives – ⅓ cup, pitted and sliced
• Feta cheese – ½ cup, crumbled
• Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, chopped
• Lemon zest and juice – from 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper – to taste

Directions:

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

1. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds.
2. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and burst, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in olives, lemon zest, lemon juice, and half the parsley.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to combine.
2. Add shrimp back in and toss again.
3. If the mixture feels dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and remaining parsley.
2. Serve immediately with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and an extra squeeze of lemon, if desired.

Tips & Variations:

Tips:

• Don’t overcook the shrimp – they turn rubbery quickly. Cook just until pink.
• Use good olive oil – since it’s a core flavor, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Fresh herbs are key – parsley is traditional, but basil or dill can also be used.

Variations:

• Make it creamy: Add a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a richer texture.
• Use zucchini noodles: For a low-carb version, swap out pasta with spiralized zucchini.
• Spicy kick: Add more chili flakes or a touch of harissa for bold heat.
• Different protein: Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken or even scallops.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• A Greek salad (cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, feta, and oregano) pairs beautifully.
• A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé complements the dish well.

Conclusion

Greek Shrimp Spaghetti is a must-try for anyone who loves the bright, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining. The combination of healthy ingredients, bold flavors, and quick prep time makes it a winner in any kitchen.

So whether you’re craving seafood, pasta, or just something a little different, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti or pasta.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and shrimp ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh before serving. The shrimp can get overcooked when reheated.

What kind of feta should I use?

Greek block feta in brine is best—it’s creamier and more flavorful than pre-crumbled feta.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini would all be great additions to this dish.