Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta with Olive Oil & Herbs | Easy 25‑Minute Dinner

Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta Herbs — garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, lemon, and fresh herbs tossed with juicy shrimp and al dente pasta. Ready in about 25 minutes.
⏱ Recipe Information
- Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Total: ~25 min Yield: 4 servings
- Cuisine: Mediterranean Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon + 2 tbsp juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper. Sear in 1 tbsp olive oil 1–2 min per side. Remove.
- Add remaining oil. Gently cook garlic and red pepper flakes 30–60 sec. Add tomatoes with a pinch of salt; cook 2–3 min.
- Deglaze with white wine (optional); simmer 1 min. Add lemon juice and zest.
- Toss in pasta with splash of pasta water to emulsify. Return shrimp. Add parsley and basil. Season to taste.
🍋 Chef’s Bonus Twist
Extra silky: Whisk 1 tbsp butter into the sauce off heat.
Briny pop: Add 2 tbsp capers or sliced olives.
Heat: Increase red pepper flakes to taste.
Substitutions
- Pasta: linguine, spaghetti, or bucatini.
- Herbs: parsley, basil, oregano, or dill.
- No wine: use 2 tbsp pasta water + 1 tsp lemon juice.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: 2 days (seafood). Rewarm gently with a splash of water or oil.
- Do not freeze: shrimp texture suffers.
- Make ahead: prep tomatoes, herbs, and cleaned shrimp in advance.
Average Cost (U.S. market)
- Shrimp (1 lb): $7–14
- Pasta (1 pack): $2–4
- Tomatoes, garlic, lemon, herbs: $5–9
- Olive oil + pantry: $2–4
- Estimated total: $16–31 • serves 4 • $4–7.75 per serving
Prices vary by region and brand; estimate for guidance only.
Nutrition
- ~520 kcal • Protein ~32 g • Carbs ~60 g • Fat ~16 g per serving
- Values vary by brands and options.
Frequently Asked Questions – Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta Herbs
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes. Thaw fully, pat dry, and remove excess moisture before searing.
No tomatoes? Use roasted red peppers or a splash of passata.
Light, lemony, and loaded with herb fragrance — a weeknight winner.
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