Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta

This Mediterranean shrimp pasta recipe is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. It combines seafood flavors and fresh herbs perfectly for a delicious weeknight dinner. My Mediterranean pasta dish is delicious and aligns with the principles of a standard Mediterranean diet. This way of eating emphasizes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins, like the shrimp in your dish. Moreover, using fresh herbs, such as parsley, and flavorful ingredients, like artichoke and cherry tomatoes, make this dish a standout meal that fits within the guidelines of a pasta Mediterranean diet.

In addition, this Mediterranean diet pasta is one of my easiest go-to shrimp pasta recipes when I don’t have much in the refrigerator since I always have a few bags of frozen shrimp and artichoke hearts in the freezer for those days. And there is no shortage of pasta in my pantry! I know shrimp and pasta recipes are top-rated, so I wanted to bring you one of my favorite Mediterranean diet pasta recipes in case you wanted to try something different. So if you’re craving shrimp recipes with pasta, I’m positive this will become one of your favorite Mediterranean pasta dishes! Try it next to the endless option of side salads like  Fattoush salad, Authentic Greek Salad, or healthy Arugula with Fennel salad. 

What is the best pasta to use for this Mediterranean pasta recipe?

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:  

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Angel hair: If you prefer lighter pasta, angel hair is a good option. It is very thin and delicate, which pairs well with shrimp and a light sauce.
4. 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.

What kind of shrimp works best? Below are things to consider: 

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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.

Fresh, shell-on shrimp is the best choice for a pasta dish with shrimp. However, peeled 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!