Name: Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti (or other long pasta); 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tbsp olive oil, divided; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; ½ small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 small cucumber, diced; ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste); 1 tsp shrimp seasoning blend or ½ tsp paprika + ½ tsp Italian seasoning

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This garlic shrimp spaghetti is a light yet flavorful Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. I love how the pan-seared shrimp, tossed with fresh vegetables and a lemon-garlic sauce, makes for a meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying—without heavy cream or butter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it feels like something I’d order at a seaside restaurant, but it’s quick and easy enough to make on a weeknight. The shrimp gets a bold kick from the spices, and the combination of cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumber, and feta cheese adds freshness and texture. Plus, it’s a dish that tastes great hot or cold, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spaghetti (or my favorite long pasta)
Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Lemon juice
Cherry tomatoes (halved)
Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
Red onion (thinly sliced)
Cucumber (diced)
Feta cheese (crumbled)
Salt and black pepper
My favorite shrimp seasoning blend or paprika + Italian seasoning

Directions

I cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, I season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and my chosen spices.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. I remove them from the skillet.
In the same skillet, I add a little more olive oil and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds.
I stir in lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and cucumber, tossing just until warmed through.
I return the shrimp to the skillet, add the cooked spaghetti, and toss everything together.
I sprinkle with crumbled feta and adjust seasoning before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. Prep time is around 10 minutes, cooking time is about 20 minutes, making it a 30-minute meal from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra aroma.
For a little heat, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
I swap spaghetti for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta when I want a healthier option.
Chopped roasted red peppers make a great addition for more sweetness and color.
I replace shrimp with scallops or chunks of white fish for variety.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, I warm gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Do I have to peel the shrimp?

I prefer peeled shrimp for easier eating, but leaving the tails on can add presentation flair.

Can I make this without feta?

Yes, I just skip it or use goat cheese for a creamier alternative.

What kind of pasta works best?

I like spaghetti or linguine, but penne or fusilli work if I want more sauce to cling to the pasta.

How do I prevent overcooking shrimp?

I cook them just until they turn pink and opaque—usually 1–2 minutes per side.

Conclusion

I love making garlic shrimp spaghetti because it delivers bold Mediterranean flavors in a light, healthy way. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but still impressive enough for guests, and the fresh, zesty combination of shrimp, veggies, and pasta never disappoints.