If you’re looking for a dish that’s light, refreshing, and packed with bold flavors, Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This Mediterranean shrimp pasta comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The key to this dish is its simplicity — fresh ingredients, a light sauce, and perfectly cooked shrimp all come together to create a flavorful, satisfying meal.
1. Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne work well)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan (for serving, optional)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz of pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using.
Reserve pasta water: Just before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
Drain the pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the garlic and red pepper flakes: Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, spreading them out in an even layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Once they’re done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Mediterranean Sauce
Sauté the sun-dried tomatoes and olives: In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and capers. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the cherry tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and continue to cook for another 2 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Deglaze with lemon juice: Pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine. The lemon juice will help balance the richness with a bright, tangy flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Shrimp
Toss the pasta: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet, along with the reserved shrimp. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated in the flavorful sauce.
Loosen the sauce: If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the fresh herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley and basil, which will add a fresh, aromatic element to the dish.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Season to taste: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The capers and olives already add some saltiness, so be cautious with the amount of salt.
Garnish: Serve the Mediterranean shrimp pasta with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan (if desired) and a few extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, while the pasta is still warm and the shrimp are juicy.
2. Tips for the Best Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs make a huge difference in the flavor of this dish. They add brightness and freshness that elevate the entire meal.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on them. They should be pink and opaque in the center but still tender. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water from the pasta helps bind the sauce to the noodles and adds a silky texture. Always keep a little on hand when making pasta dishes like this one.
Swap the Pasta: Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Spaghetti, linguine, or even penne work well in this dish. For a healthier option, you can substitute with whole wheat pasta or even zucchini noodles.
Extra Veggies: Add more Mediterranean vegetables like artichoke hearts, spinach, or roasted red peppers to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
3. Variations of Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta
Creamy Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta
For a creamy twist, stir in about ¼ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half after adding the shrimp back to the skillet. This creates a richer, more indulgent sauce while still keeping the Mediterranean flavors intact. Serve with a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of creaminess and tanginess.
Spicy Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta
If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also chop up a fresh serrano or jalapeño pepper and sauté it with the garlic. The spicy kick enhances the bright lemony flavors of the dish and pairs well with the briny olives and capers.
Mediterranean Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
For a low-carb alternative, swap the pasta with zucchini noodles or a mix of zoodles and regular pasta. The zucchini noodles will absorb all the flavors of the sauce while keeping the dish light and fresh. This version is perfect for those looking to cut down on carbs without sacrificing the rich Mediterranean flavors.
Vegan Mediterranean Pasta
If you’re looking for a plant-based version, skip the shrimp and add chickpeas or grilled eggplant for a hearty, protein-packed dish. You can also toss in more vegetables like artichokes, spinach, and bell peppers. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for a satisfying vegan meal.
4. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing: Store any leftover Mediterranean shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra olive oil to loosen the sauce if needed. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp while reheating, as they can become tough.
This Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the best of fresh, Mediterranean flavors in a quick and easy recipe. The combination of tender shrimp, briny olives, and a light, zesty garlic lemon sauce makes this pasta dish feel elegant yet simple enough for a casual weeknight dinner.
