Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Craving a simple yet flavorful dish? This Mediterranean shrimp pasta is your answer. It’s not just any pasta—it’s a delightful blend of seafood and fresh herbs, aligning with the core values of the Mediterranean diet. Healthy grains, fresh vegetables, and lean proteins like shrimp shine in this recipe. And the best part? It’s my go-to for those nights when the fridge feels empty, but the hunger is real. Always stocked with frozen shrimp and artichoke hearts, paired with the pasta pantry staple, this dish comes together in no time. Pair it with a fresh Fattoush salad, authentic Greek Salad, or a light Arugula with Fennel salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress.

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

I used whole-grain angel hair pasta for this dish, but you can choose any of the following to make the perfect shrimp pasta recipe:  

• Linguine: This long, thin pasta is perfect for shrimp pasta dishes. It is slightly wider than spaghetti and has a flat shape that helps to hold onto the sauce.
• Fettuccine: Another excellent choice for shrimp & pasta recipes is fettuccine. This pasta is broader and thicker than linguine and has a slightly more substantial texture.
• Angel hair: Angel’s hair is a good option if you prefer lighter pasta. It is very thin and delicate, which pairs well with shrimp and a light sauce.
• Penne: Penne is a tube-shaped pasta with ridges on the outside. The ridges help to hold onto the sauce, making it a good choice for pasta and shrimp recipes.

Choosing the Ideal Shrimp

• Freshness: Fresh shrimp is always better than frozen. If you can find fresh shrimp at your local seafood market or grocery store, they will have a better taste and texture than frozen shrimp. Look for firm shrimp that smells clean and briny, without any fishy odor.
• Shell-on or peeled: Shrimp with the shell on will have more flavor than peeled shrimp, but it will also require more work to clean and devein. Peeled shrimp may be a better option if you need more time. Frozen shrimp can be convenient and tasty if you’re short on time. Just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking. I hope you enjoy this Mediterranean shrimp pasta recipe!
• Size: Medium to large shrimp (21-25 counts per pound) are ideal for a pasta dish. One pound of shrimp will give you 5-6 shrimp per person, depending on the size of the shrimp.