Pasta with Shrimp and Feta Cheese
Overview
Pasta with Shrimp and Feta Cheese is a delightful dish that brings together the succulent flavor of fresh shrimp and the tangy goodness of feta cheese, resulting in a tantalizing meal that is both quick and satisfying. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also captures the essence of Greek cuisine, making it perfect for a spring dinner or any occasion where you want to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 lb | Raw shrimp |
| 6 | Scallions |
| 8 oz | Feta cheese |
| 4 tbsp | Butter |
| 4 tbsp | Fresh chives |
| 8 oz | Pasta (penne or rigatoni) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 795.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Cholesterol | 256.8 mg |
| Sodium | 927.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 95.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.1 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Protein | 40.7 g |
Cooking Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 min |
| Cook Time | 15 min |
| Total Time | 25 min |
Instructions
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Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by removing the heads from the raw shrimp. To do this, grasp the head firmly and twist it off, ensuring that the body of the shrimp remains intact. This step will give you a clean base for your dish.
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Shell the Shrimp: Once the heads are removed, shell the shrimp by carefully peeling off the shell. Discard the shells or set them aside in the freezer for future use in a homemade seafood stock, which will enhance your soups and sauces with rich flavors.
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Chop and Cube: Take the scallions and chop them finely, discarding the tough green tops. Next, cut the feta cheese into ½-inch cubes, which will melt slightly when added to the hot shrimp, imparting its creamy texture throughout the dish.
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Cook the Shrimp: In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, add the shelled shrimp to the pan. Cook the shrimp until they turn a beautiful pink color, approximately 2-3 minutes per side, indicating that they are cooked through.
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Add Scallions: After the shrimp are pink, add the chopped scallions to the frying pan. Allow them to cook gently over low heat for about one minute, letting their flavors meld with the shrimp without losing their vibrant color and crunch.
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Incorporate Feta Cheese: Stir in the cubed feta cheese and season the mixture with a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your taste. The heat from the shrimp will begin to soften the cheese, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
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Prepare the Chives: Take the fresh chives and cut them into 1-inch lengths. Stir in half of the chives into the shrimp mixture, allowing their mild onion flavor to infuse the dish.
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Cook the Pasta: While you are preparing the shrimp and feta sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta (either penne or rigatoni) to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
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Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, carefully drain it in a colander, shaking off any excess water. It is essential to ensure that the pasta is well-drained, as excess water can dilute the flavors of the sauce.
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Combine and Serve: Pile the drained pasta into a warmed serving dish. Pour the shrimp and feta mixture over the pasta, ensuring an even distribution of the delicious sauce. Garnish with the remaining fresh chives for an extra touch of flavor and color.
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Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot, and relish the delightful combination of flavors in this quick and easy pasta dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta with Shrimp and Feta Cheese dish is a perfect weeknight dinner option, combining the ease of preparation with gourmet flavors. The balance of textures—from the tender shrimp to the creamy feta, paired with the bright notes of chives—creates a delightful culinary experience. Pair this dish with a crisp salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal that embodies the spirit of spring and summer dining.
Keywords
Greek, European, Spring, < 30 Mins, Easy
Embrace the rich flavors and simplicity of this dish, making it a regular in your meal rotation for family dinners or special gatherings. The combination of shrimp and feta creates a unique flavor profile that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Enjoy your cooking journey with “Love With Recipes”!
