This delightful dish combines plump, juicy shrimp with the tangy bite of feta cheese, all mixed up with al dente linguine pasta. A hint of garlic and white wine make this recipe a standout for a romantic dinner or a special gathering.
While most ingredients in this recipe are household staples, you might need to make a special trip for the shrimp and feta cheese. Make sure to purchase fresh, deveined shrimp for optimal flavor and texture. As for the feta cheese, it's a briny, tangy cheese that crumbles easily and adds a rich contrast to the sweet shrimp.
Shrimp and Feta Cheese Pasta Delight Ingredients
Olive oil: A healthy fat, used to saute the shrimp and bring out their flavor.
Shrimp: The star of this dish, providing a succulent seafood flavor.
Garlic cloves: Adds a robust, savory taste to the pasta.
White wine: Enhances the flavor profile and adds a bit of acidity.
Linguine pasta: Serves as the base of the dish, soaking up all the flavors.
Tomatoes: Adds a fresh, sweet taste that complements the shrimp.
Dried oregano: Infuse the pasta with an earthy, mild flavor.
Dried basil: Adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavor.
Feta cheese: Brings a tangy, salty counterpoint to the sweetness of the shrimp and tomatoes.
One reader, Hugh Pomeroy says:
This shrimp and feta cheese pasta delight is a culinary masterpiece! The succulent shrimp, tangy feta, and flavorful tomato sauce create a symphony of flavors. It's a delightful dish that never fails to impress. I highly recommend it for a gourmet dining experience at home.
Cooking Techniques for Shrimp and Feta Cheese Pasta Delight
How to cook the shrimp: In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook the shrimp, garlic, and white wine for 5 minutes or until the shrimp is pink. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside.
How to cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente, then drain.
How to prepare the tomato sauce: Cook the tomatoes with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, oregano, and basil over medium heat in the wine mixture for 10 minutes until tender.
How to toss the pasta: Toss the hot pasta with the shrimp, tomato sauce, and feta.
How to serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
How To Make Shrimp and Feta Cheese Pasta
This feta cheese pasta is packed with plump and juicy shrimps, savory crumbled feta, and more for a hearty and filling meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3tbspolive oil
- 1lbshrimp,peeled, deveined
- 5garlic cloves,minced
- 1tbspwhite wine
- 1lblinguine pasta
- 2tomatoes,chopped
- 1tspdried oregano
- ½tspdried basil
- 6ozfeta cheese,(1 package), crumbled
Instructions
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In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
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Cook the shrimp, garlic, and white wine for 5 minutes or until the shrimp is pink. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside.
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Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente, then drain.
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Cook the tomatoes with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, oregano, and basil over medium heat in the wine mixture for 10 minutes until tender.
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Toss the hot pasta with the shrimp, tomato sauce, and feta.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 578.82kcal
- Fat: 17.75g
- Saturated Fat: 6.71g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.82g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.88g
- Carbohydrates: 73.11g
- Fiber: 3.67g
- Sugar: 5.18g
- Protein: 29.67g
- Cholesterol: 144.58mg
- Sodium: 834.25mg
- Calcium: 251.21mg
- Potassium: 461.07mg
- Iron: 1.96mg
- Vitamin A: 112.37µg
- Vitamin C: 7.68mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting This Pasta Recipe
When cooking the shrimp, make sure not to overcook them as they can become tough and lose their juicy flavor. Shrimp cook quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes per side. You'll know they're done when they turn pink and opaque. Also, when adding the feta cheese to the pasta, crumble it in for a more even distribution and creamier texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Pasta Dish
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate proteins in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities of certain ingredients or dishes and freeze them for quick and convenient future meals.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate utensils, tools, and ingredients while cooking.
Time-saving gadgets: Utilize kitchen gadgets such as food processors, slow cookers, and pressure cookers to expedite meal preparation.
Efficient multitasking: Plan and execute tasks in parallel to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Simplify recipes: Choose recipes with fewer ingredients and simpler cooking techniques to reduce preparation and cooking time.
Pre-cut and pre-washed: Purchase pre-cut and pre-washed produce to minimize prep time and effort in the kitchen.
Cook once, eat twice: Prepare double portions of meals and repurpose leftovers for subsequent meals to save time and effort.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp and Feta Cheese Pasta Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a sweet and delicate flavor, and their texture is similar to shrimp, making them a great alternative for this pasta dish.
linguine pasta - Substitute with spaghetti squash: Spaghetti squash can be a healthy and low-carb alternative to pasta, adding a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor and creamy texture similar to feta, making it a suitable replacement in this recipe.
Presenting Shrimp and Feta Cheese Pasta Delight
Elevate the dish with a stunning presentation: When plating the shrimp and feta cheese pasta delight, pay attention to the visual appeal. Use a large, flat plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. Arrange the pasta neatly in the center and delicately place the shrimp on top. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of feta cheese for an elegant touch.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Create a harmonious balance of textures in the dish. Consider adding a crunchy element, such as toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts, to complement the tender shrimp and al dente pasta. This contrast will add depth to each bite and elevate the overall dining experience.
Focus on flavor balance: Ensure that the flavors in the dish are well-balanced. The sweetness of the shrimp should harmonize with the tangy feta cheese and the acidity of the tomatoes. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve a perfect balance of savory, salty, and acidic notes.
Highlight the freshness of ingredients: Emphasize the freshness of the ingredients by using high-quality, ripe tomatoes and succulent, plump shrimp. The vibrant colors and natural flavors of the ingredients should shine through, enhancing the overall appeal of the dish.
Incorporate artistic elements: Consider incorporating artistic elements into the presentation. Use a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a swirl of pesto to add visual interest to the plate. Pay attention to the placement of each component to create a visually appealing and Instagram-worthy presentation.
Emphasize precision and attention to detail: Pay meticulous attention to the placement of each element on the plate. Every component should be thoughtfully arranged to create a visually stunning presentation that reflects the care and precision put into crafting the dish.
Create a sense of luxury: Elevate the dining experience by creating a sense of luxury through the presentation. Consider serving the shrimp and feta cheese pasta delight on fine china or a sleek, modern plate to convey a sense of sophistication and refinement.
Incorporate a touch of elegance: Add a touch of elegance to the presentation by incorporating edible flowers or microgreens as a garnish. These delicate, visually striking elements will elevate the dish and add a touch of refinement to the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Pasta Recipe
- Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It's a versatile tool for cooking a wide variety of dishes.
- Slotted spoon: A slotted spoon is a kitchen utensil with holes or slots to drain liquid when serving food. It's perfect for retrieving solid foods from liquids.
- Large pot: A large pot is essential for boiling pasta, blanching vegetables, and making stocks or soups. It's a versatile tool for cooking large quantities of food.
- Colander: A colander is a bowl-shaped kitchen tool with perforations or holes used to drain liquids from food, such as pasta or vegetables.
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for preparing sauces, dips, and dressings.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a deep bowl used for mixing ingredients, marinating, and preparing batters and doughs. It's an essential tool for combining and blending various components of a dish.
- Tongs: Tongs are a versatile kitchen tool used for gripping, lifting, and turning food while cooking. They are essential for handling hot items and serving dishes.
- Grater: A grater is a kitchen tool with sharp-edged perforations used to shred or grate ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest.
- Cheese grater: A cheese grater is a specific type of grater designed for grating cheese into fine or coarse shreds, depending on the desired texture.
- Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure small amounts of liquid or dry ingredients in cooking and baking recipes.
- Measuring cup: A measuring cup is a kitchen tool used to measure liquid or dry ingredients accurately. It's an essential tool for precise recipe measurements.
- Olive oil dispenser: An olive oil dispenser is a container designed to store and dispense olive oil, ensuring easy and controlled pouring for cooking and dressing dishes.
- Pasta pot: A pasta pot is a large, deep pot with a strainer insert, specifically designed for boiling and draining pasta. It streamlines the pasta cooking process.
- Garlic press: A garlic press is a handheld kitchen tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves, making it easier to incorporate garlic into dishes.
- Wine opener: A wine opener is a tool used to remove corks from wine bottles, allowing for easy access to the wine for cooking or drinking.
- Grill pan: A grill pan is a stovetop pan with raised ridges, designed to mimic the cooking process of an outdoor grill, imparting grill marks and flavor to food.
- Cheese knife: A cheese knife is a specialized knife designed for cutting and serving cheese, with various shapes and sizes tailored to different types of cheese.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Shrimp and Feta Cheese Pasta
To store leftover shrimp and feta cheese pasta delight, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to the pasta to help restore moisture and prevent it from drying out. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
To freeze, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label and date the containers before placing them in the freezer.
Frozen shrimp and feta cheese pasta delight can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight or place it under running cold water until it's no longer frozen.
When reheating frozen pasta, it's best to thaw it first in the refrigerator. Reheat the thawed pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or olive oil to help restore moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Keep in mind that the texture of the shrimp and feta cheese may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor should still be delicious.
How to Reheat Leftover Shrimp and Feta Cheese Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover shrimp and feta cheese pasta delight to an oven-safe dish, and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the shrimp is warm. This method helps to maintain the texture of the pasta and prevents it from drying out.
For a quicker reheating option, use your microwave. Place a single serving of the shrimp and feta cheese pasta delight in a microwave-safe bowl, and add a splash of water or olive oil to help maintain moisture. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering and to steam the pasta. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through and the shrimp is warm.
If you prefer a slightly crispy texture, reheat the leftover shrimp and feta cheese pasta delight in a skillet. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover pasta and shrimp. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is heated through and slightly crispy around the edges. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or white wine to help maintain moisture.
For a cold pasta salad option, allow the leftover shrimp and feta cheese pasta delight to come to room temperature. In a large bowl, toss the pasta with additional olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped fresh herbs (such as basil or oregano), and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve the refreshing cold pasta salad as a light lunch or side dish.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Pasta Dish Economical?
This shrimp and feta cheese pasta delight recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The main cost lies in the shrimp and feta cheese, but the dish is balanced with pasta and tomatoes, making it a reasonable option. The use of olive oil and simple seasonings keeps the cost in check. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8 out of 10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, making it a budget-friendly yet delightful meal option.
Is This Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The shrimp and feta cheese pasta delight recipe is a tasty dish, but it may not be the healthiest option. While shrimp is a lean protein source and provides essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, the recipe also includes a significant amount of pasta and feta cheese, which can contribute to high carbohydrate and saturated fat content. Additionally, the recipe lacks a substantial amount of vegetables, which are crucial for a balanced and nutritious meal.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of pasta and increase the quantity of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost the dish's fiber and nutrient content
- Opt for whole wheat or legume-based pasta to increase the fiber and protein content while reducing the refined carbohydrates
- Use a reduced-fat feta cheese or a smaller amount of regular feta to decrease the saturated fat content
- Include additional herbs and spices like red pepper flakes, parsley, or lemon zest to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt or fat
- Serve the pasta with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced and nutritious meal
The Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Pasta Recipe
The combination of succulent shrimp, tangy feta cheese, and flavorful herbs creates a delightful and satisfying dish. The use of white wine adds depth to the sauce, while the tomatoes provide a refreshing sweetness. The recipe's simplicity allows the natural flavors to shine, making it a perfect choice for a quick and impressive meal. The balance of flavors and textures makes this shrimp and feta cheese pasta a standout dish that is sure to impress your guests.
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Why trust this Shrimp and Feta Cheese Pasta Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful combination of fresh shrimp and tangy feta cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The use of garlic and white wine adds depth and complexity to the dish, while the linguine pasta provides a comforting base. The inclusion of tomatoes and aromatic dried oregano and basil showcases the use of fresh, wholesome ingredients. The final touch of feta cheese adds a creamy and savory element, elevating the overall experience. This recipe promises a delightful and satisfying dining experience, perfect for any occasion.
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