Authentic Mediterranean Seafood Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant dish of tender shrimp and squid tossed in a zesty garlic-herb sauce with cherry tomatoes and olives, served with al dente pasta. This mediterranean-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, shrimp, squid rings for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined) and 8 oz squid rings, cooking for 3-4 minutes until seafood turns opaque and pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup kalamata olives, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
  4. Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Mediterranean Seafood Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Mediterranean Seafood Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Mediterranean Seafood Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Mediterranean Seafood Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Mediterranean Seafood Pasta?

Mediterranean pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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