Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta in 30 Minutes

Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta is my absolute favorite for a quick and flavorful meal! This isn’t just any pasta—it’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings together succulent shrimp, fresh herbs, and vibrant flavors. On those nights when the fridge feels bare but hunger strikes, this recipe is my go-to. With shrimp, artichoke hearts, and pantry-staple pasta, it all comes together in under 30 minutes. Pair it with a crisp Greek salad, a zesty Fattoush, or a simple Arugula and Fennel salad, and you’ve got a dinner that’s as impressive as it is easy.

Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta Recipe With These Ingredients

• Whole Grain Angel Hair Pasta (or Whole Wheat): The pasta serves as the foundation for the dish, offering a nutty and hearty flavor while maintaining a light and delicate texture.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a rich and fruity undertone, enhancing the shrimp’s natural sweetness and contributing to the overall Mediterranean taste.
• Butter: Butter provides a creamy and indulgent element, complementing the shrimp’s flavor and texture.
• Garlic Cloves: Garlic infuses the dish with a robust and aromatic profile, adding depth and character to the shrimp.
• Shrimp (Peeled and Cleaned): Shrimp contributes a sweet and briny seafood essence, becoming the star protein of the dish.
• Artichoke Hearts (Thawed, if Frozen): Artichoke hearts bring a mild, earthy flavor, contributing to the Mediterranean profile.
• Cherry Tomatoes (Cut in Halves): Cherry tomatoes offer a burst of fresh, sweet-tart juiciness, enhancing the dish’s vibrancy.
• Salt, Black Pepper, and Red Pepper Flakes (Separately): These seasonings are used to season the dish, adding a balanced combination of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors.
• Lemon (Zest and Juice): The lemon zest and juice provide a zesty and citrusy brightness, enhancing the overall Mediterranean taste.
• Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant herbaceous note, further elevating the Mediterranean essence.
• Feta Cheese (or Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese): Feta cheese contributes a creamy and tangy element, while Parmesan cheese offers a nutty and savory finish, enhancing the pasta’s richness.

This Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta combines these elements to create a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors.

Best Pasta for Mediterranean Shrimp Dish

For this recipe, I used whole-grain angel hair pasta, but you have plenty of great options to choose from to create the perfect Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta:

• Linguine: This long, flat pasta is slightly wider than spaghetti, making it perfect for holding onto the sauce in shrimp pasta dishes.
• Fettuccine: With its broader, thicker texture, fettuccine is a hearty choice that works beautifully with shrimp and creamy or robust sauces.
• Angel Hair: Light and delicate, angel hair is ideal if you prefer a softer pasta that complements shrimp and light sauces without overpowering them.
• Penne: The tube shape and ridged surface of penne make it excellent for trapping sauce, ensuring every bite of your shrimp pasta is flavorful.

Choosing the Ideal Shrimp

When it comes to making the best Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta, picking the right shrimp makes all the difference:

• Freshness: Fresh shrimp always wins! If you have access to a seafood market or fresh options at the grocery store, go for shrimp that’s firm, smells clean and briny, and has no fishy odor. Frozen shrimp is a convenient alternative—just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking.
• Shell-on or Peeled: Shrimp with the shell on brings extra flavor, but it requires more work to clean and devein. If you’re short on time, peeled shrimp is a great option and works just as well in this dish.
• Size Matters: Medium to large shrimp (21-25 counts per pound) are perfect for pasta dishes. They’re just the right size, giving each person about 5-6 shrimp per serving.

I hope these tips help you create the most delicious Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta. Enjoy every bite!