Imagine twirling your fork into a vibrant bowl of Greek Shrimp Pasta: juicy shrimp nestled among golden noodles, cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, and every bite seasoned with briny olives, fresh parsley, bright lemon, and creamy feta. This dish brings the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your weeknight table with a recipe that’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and truly crave-worthy. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Greek cuisine Main Course.

Greek Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Greek Shrimp Pasta is in its balance of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a unique part—whether it’s adding bold color, incredible texture, or layers of savory flavor. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love it):

Spaghetti or linguine: Classic pasta that soaks up the tangy sauce and offers the perfect canvas for the toppings.
Large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Tender, sweet shrimp cook up fast and add satisfying protein and flair.
Olive oil: For sautéing and bringing that unmistakably Mediterranean richness to the dish.
Garlic: A must for aromatic depth; it infuses every bite with bold, savory notes.
Cherry tomatoes: Give natural sweetness and a juicy pop of color to contrast the shrimp.
Kalamata olives: These add briny, salty intensity—no Greek pasta is complete without their unique zing.
Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and just the right bit salty, feta finishes the pasta beautifully.
Dried oregano: Earthy, herbal, and oh-so-Greek, it ties all the flavors together.
Crushed red pepper flakes: For subtle heat and a little Mediterranean kick.
Lemon zest and juice: Brings brightness, balancing the richness for a perfectly fresh pasta.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a burst of green and herby freshness right at the end.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out each ingredient’s best flavors.

How to Make Greek Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start off by cooking your spaghetti or linguine in a large pot of well-salted water until it’s just al dente. Reserve half a cup of the cooking water before draining—this starchy liquid will become your secret weapon for the perfect silky sauce. Set the pasta aside and get ready to build up big flavors in the skillet.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp

In a wide skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat, then toss in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute; this is where the magic starts! Next, add the shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for that irresistible pink color and slightly curled edges—don’t overcook them. Remove the shrimp to a plate to keep them juicy.

Step 3: Create the Sauce with Tomatoes and Olives

Into the same skillet (don’t clean it out; those garlicky, shrimp-y bits are flavor gold!), add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring as they soften and their juices start to form a quick, fragrant sauce. Stir in the Kalamata olives, lemon zest, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. The blend of sweet, briny, and bright is the heart of Greek Shrimp Pasta.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together gently, using a splash of your reserved pasta water at a time to make a silky, light sauce that coats every strand. Taste and adjust seasoning—this is your moment to make it sing with a pinch more salt, pepper, or lemon.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

With the heat off, top your pasta with crumbled feta cheese and a generous handful of chopped parsley. The feta will soften just slightly, becoming creamy in the heat, while the parsley adds lively freshness. Serve your Greek Shrimp Pasta right away and get ready for everyone to swoon at first bite!

How to Serve Greek Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkling of extra feta and parsley never goes amiss! For even more color and bite, try a twist of lemon zest over each bowl, or a gentle dusting of black pepper. A drizzle of fruity olive oil over the top will highlight all those sunny Mediterranean flavors.

Side Dishes

Greek Shrimp Pasta shines with simple sides: think warm crusty bread (perfect for mopping up that amazing sauce), a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, or roasted seasonal vegetables. If you’re feeling ambitious, a classic Greek village salad with red onion, cucumber, tomato, and olives turns dinner into a festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve the pasta family-style in a large, shallow platter so everyone can help themselves. For a lunch or brunch twist, pack the cooled Greek Shrimp Pasta into pretty jars or bowls and top with extra veggies and feta for a playful, picnic-worthy meal. Mini pans or ramekins also make gorgeous single servings at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Greek Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making it a super-tasty lunch the next day. Just be sure to stir to redistribute the sauce before reheating.

Freezing

While pasta generally freezes well, shrimp and tomatoes can change texture after thawing, so freezing Greek Shrimp Pasta isn’t my top pick. If you must, freeze it before adding the feta and fresh parsley, and add those fresh after reheating for the best results.

Reheating

Gently warm leftover pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to help revive the sauce. Stir frequently, just until hot—this keeps the shrimp tender and the pasta saucy. Avoid microwaving too long, or the shrimp might go rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Greek Shrimp Pasta?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they sear nicely and don’t release too much water into the pan.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Spaghetti and linguine are classic choices because they twirl easily and soak up the sauce, but you can also use penne, fusilli, or any favorite pasta that holds sauce well.

Is there a dairy-free option for Greek Shrimp Pasta?

You can skip the feta or swap it with a plant-based feta alternative. The pasta will still be flavorful thanks to the lemon, olives, and herbs.

Does it matter if I use black olives instead of Kalamata?

Kalamata olives add signature bold flavor, but if you can’t find them, any pitted black olive will work in a pinch. Just look for the briniest you can find for the best Mediterranean taste.

How can I add extra vegetables to the dish?

Feel free to toss in baby spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the tomatoes. Wilted greens work especially well and bring even more color and nutrition to your Greek Shrimp Pasta.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a fresh, homemade bowl of Greek Shrimp Pasta with friends or family. This recipe hits all the right notes: flavor, color, and total ease. Give it a spin, mix in your own favorite touches, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular request around your table!

Greek Shrimp Pasta Recipe