Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A zesty Mediterranean pasta dish with succulent shrimp, crumbly feta, and sweet cherry tomatoes in a garlic-olive oil sauce. This mediterranean-inspired pasta (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs pasta, shrimp, feta cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 300g pasta
- 1 cup shrimp
- 100g feta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 300g pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Tip: Use the reserved water later to adjust sauce consistency.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced cloves garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 cup shrimp (peeled and deveined) and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pink and opaque. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) and 1 tsp oregano to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium, stir gently, and cook for 5-6 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices. Tip: Gently stir to prevent tomatoes from sticking to the pan.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 100g feta cheese (crumbled) and 1 tbsp lemon juice until the cheese begins to soften and blend into the sauce. Tip: Add cheese off the heat to prevent it from clumping.
- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with 2-3 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Tip: If the sauce is too dry, add more pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect with a side of crusty bread. A hit at my dinner table.
- ★★★★★
The feta was the best part. Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Light, bright, and bursting with flavor. Summer-ready.