The One-Pot Shrimp with Tomatoes & Feta is a delightful fusion of succulent shrimp, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, all harmoniously brought together with aromatic herbs and spices. This dish embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, offering a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.
Not only is this recipe bursting with taste, but it’s also incredibly convenient. Prepared in a single skillet, it ensures minimal cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The combination of protein-rich shrimp and the freshness of tomatoes and basil provides a balanced meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Serve it over a bed of your favorite whole grains or enjoy it as is for a light yet fulfilling dining experience.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (14-ounce) can petite-diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 pound raw shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 2 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and white wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced, about 3 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are just cooked through and opaque, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 203 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Pot Shrimp with Tomatoes & Feta is a perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors, combining juicy shrimp, tangy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese with aromatic herbs and spices. It’s quick, easy, and packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a healthy weeknight dinner. Plus, with everything cooked in a single pan, cleanup is a breeze!
Health Benefits of This Dish
This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here’s why:
- High in Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, supporting muscle growth and keeping you full longer.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant known for its heart health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Good for Digestion: Garlic and olive oil are both known for their digestive health benefits and their ability to reduce inflammation.
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: This meal is naturally low in carbs, making it great for those following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet.
Best Ways to Serve This Dish
While this meal is delicious on its own, here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the shrimp and tomato sauce over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.
- With Crusty Bread: Pair it with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato and feta sauce.
- Over Pasta: Toss it with whole-wheat or chickpea pasta for a Mediterranean-style seafood pasta dish.
- Alongside a Fresh Salad: A simple Greek salad with cucumbers, red onions, and olives makes a perfect side.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Try a Different Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or Parmesan.
- Add More Vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of shrimp? Try using scallops, chicken, or even tofu for a plant-based twist.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the tomato sauce without the shrimp and add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating.
The Origin & Inspiration Behind This Dish
This dish is inspired by Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, where fresh seafood, tomatoes, and feta cheese are staple ingredients. Similar to Garides Saganaki, a traditional Greek shrimp dish, this recipe simplifies the process by making it a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare at home. The combination of shrimp, tomatoes, and feta creates a savory, tangy, and slightly briny flavor profile that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and olive oil.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
One-Pot Convenience – Fewer dishes to clean means more time to enjoy your meal.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, vitamins, and antioxidants from the shrimp and tomatoes.
Bold Mediterranean Flavors – A combination of garlic, oregano, and feta cheese brings out authentic Greek-inspired flavors.
Versatile & Customizable – Perfect as a low-carb, gluten-free dish, or served with your favorite grains or pasta.
Cooking Tips for the Best Flavor
1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
- Shrimp: Opt for wild-caught shrimp for the best taste and texture. Frozen shrimp works well, but be sure to thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- Tomatoes: If you have fresh ripe tomatoes, you can use them instead of canned for a more natural sweetness. Simply chop and cook them down.
- Feta Cheese: Authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s milk has the best flavor and creamy texture.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cooks very quickly—usually within 3-4 minutes. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
3. Let the Flavors Marry
For a richer, more developed flavor, let the tomato sauce simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the shrimp. This allows the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes to infuse into the tomatoes.
4. Add the Feta at the End
Sprinkling the feta cheese on top after cooking keeps it from melting completely, allowing you to enjoy its crumbly, creamy texture in every bite.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways depending on your preference:
Best Sides to Serve With It:
- Crusty Bread – Use warm, toasted bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
- Rice or Orzo – Serve over fluffy basmati rice, quinoa, or orzo for a heartier meal.
- Zucchini Noodles – A great low-carb alternative to pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables – A side of roasted asparagus, eggplant, or bell peppers complements the Mediterranean flavors.
Perfect Wine Pairings:
- White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the brightness of the tomatoes and feta.
- Rosé: A dry Provence Rosé balances the acidity of the tomatoes while complementing the shrimp.
- Light Red Wine: If you prefer red, a light Grenache or Pinot Noir works beautifully with the dish.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make Ahead: You can prepare the tomato sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat and add the shrimp when ready to serve.
Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat Gently: Warm over low heat on the stovetop. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become tough.
Freezing Tip: You can freeze the tomato sauce separately for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating for the best taste.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Shrimp with Tomatoes & Feta is a perfect balance of simplicity, bold Mediterranean flavors, and wholesome nutrition. With its quick preparation time and minimal cleanup, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights while still feeling like a gourmet meal. The combination of succulent shrimp, tangy tomatoes, creamy feta, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that’s both satisfying and light.
Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread, over rice, or paired with a crisp glass of white wine, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Plus, with its versatile ingredients and easy customization, you can make it your own by adding extra veggies, adjusting the spice level, or swapping in different proteins.
Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Bon appétit!