Creamy Dreamy Shrimp and Feta Pasta: A Mediterranean Delight

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious weeknight meal? Look no further! This Shrimp and Feta Pasta recipe is a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. The creamy, tangy feta cheese perfectly complements the sweet, succulent shrimp, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a dish that’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredible pasta dish!

## Why This Recipe Works

This Shrimp and Feta Pasta recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **Flavor Harmony:** The combination of briny feta, sweet shrimp, and bright lemon creates a symphony of flavors that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this dish can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices.
* **Impressive Presentation:** This dish looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant, making it ideal for entertaining.
* **Healthy(ish):** While it’s creamy and delicious, this recipe can be made with healthier ingredients like whole wheat pasta and low-fat feta cheese.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these ingredients:

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape. Penne, fusilli, and rotini all work well, as their ridges help to hold the sauce. Linguine or spaghetti are also great options.
* **Shrimp:** 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp can be used. Choose a size that you prefer; medium or large shrimp are recommended.
* **Feta Cheese:** 4 ounces of feta cheese, crumbled. Look for feta packed in brine for the best flavor and texture.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This will be used for sautéing the garlic and shrimp.
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
* **Lemon:** 1 lemon. You’ll need both the zest and the juice. Lemon brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This creates a rich and creamy sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less thick.
* **White Wine (Optional):** 1/4 cup of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. White wine adds depth of flavor to the sauce, but it can be omitted if desired.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or more, to taste). These add a touch of heat to balance the richness of the dish.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped. Parsley adds freshness and a pop of color.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to bring out the flavors of the dish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Shrimp and Feta Pasta masterpiece:

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps to season the pasta as it cooks.
* Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Al dente pasta will hold its shape better when tossed with the sauce.
* Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. The starchy pasta water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
* Drain the pasta and set it aside.

**Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
* Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque. Do not overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery.
* If using white wine, add it to the skillet and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. This will intensify the flavors of the sauce.

**Step 3: Make the Creamy Feta Sauce**

* Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
* Add the crumbled feta cheese and stir until it is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful that feta cheese is already salty, so you may not need to add much salt.
* If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

**Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce**

* Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
* Add the chopped fresh parsley and toss again.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the Shrimp and Feta Pasta immediately.
* Garnish with additional feta cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
* A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a touch of heat.
* Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Use High-Quality Feta:** Look for feta cheese that is packed in brine for the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-crumbled feta, as it tends to be dry.
* **Reserve Pasta Water:** The starchy pasta water is a valuable ingredient for adjusting the consistency of the sauce. Add it a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that feta cheese is already salty, so you may not need to add much salt.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish. Some good options include spinach, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Make it Lighter:** Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce the fat content. You can also use low-fat feta cheese.

## Variations and Additions

This Shrimp and Feta Pasta recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for variations and additions:

* **Spinach:** Add a handful of fresh spinach to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. The spinach will wilt and add a boost of nutrients.
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** Halve or quarter cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet along with the garlic. They will burst and release their juices, adding sweetness and acidity to the sauce.
* **Zucchini:** Dice zucchini and sauté it with the garlic. Zucchini adds a mild flavor and a pleasant texture.
* **Bell Peppers:** Dice bell peppers and sauté them with the garlic. Bell peppers add sweetness and color to the dish.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet along with the garlic. Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of flavor.
* **Olives:** Add Kalamata olives or other briny olives to the dish. Olives add a salty and savory element.
* **Artichoke Hearts:** Add quartered artichoke hearts to the skillet along with the garlic. Artichoke hearts add a unique flavor and texture.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme. Add them to the skillet along with the parsley.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
* **Protein:** Add other proteins, such as chicken or sausage, to the dish.

## Serving Suggestions

This Shrimp and Feta Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is a classic pairing for pasta dishes. The crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a Greek salad is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Bruschetta:** Bruschetta is a delicious appetizer that pairs well with the Mediterranean flavors of the pasta.
* **Wine:** A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is a perfect complement to the Shrimp and Feta Pasta.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.

* **Chop Vegetables:** Chop the garlic, parsley, and any other vegetables you plan to use ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
* **Prepare the Shrimp:** Peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
* **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta ahead of time and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking. Store it in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to assemble the dish, simply sauté the garlic and shrimp, make the sauce, and toss everything together with the cooked pasta. This will significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to prepare the meal.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Shrimp and Feta Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce from drying out.

Keep in mind that the pasta may become slightly softer after being stored and reheated.

## Shrimp and Feta Pasta: The Recipe

Here is the complete recipe for Creamy Dreamy Shrimp and Feta Pasta:

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pasta (penne, fusilli, rotini, linguine, or spaghetti)
* 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (medium or large)
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 lemon, zested and juiced
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
* Salt and pepper, to taste

**Equipment:**

* Large pot
* Large skillet
* Colander
* Zester
* Lemon juicer

**Instructions**

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Do not overcook the shrimp.
4. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
6. Add crumbled feta cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful that feta cheese is already salty, so you may not need to add much salt.
8. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
10. Add the chopped fresh parsley and toss again.
11. Serve immediately, garnished with additional feta cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 550-650 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams

## Final Thoughts

This Creamy Dreamy Shrimp and Feta Pasta is a delightful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of creamy feta, sweet shrimp, and bright lemon is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean! Bon appétit!