One Pot Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta: Your Easy, Flavorful & Healthy Weeknight Meal
Discover the ultimate weeknight hero with our One Pot Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta! This incredibly easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, tender pasta, and a vibrant medley of your favorite Mediterranean ingredients, all brought together by a rich and creamy roasted red pepper sauce. Imagine plump shrimp mingling with sun-kissed tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, tender artichoke hearts, and fresh spinach, coated in a luscious sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a complete meal cooked in a single pot, guaranteeing minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.
Combining several of my favorite culinary elements into one delightful dish is always a joy. This **One Pot Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta** is no exception! I am thrilled to share this recipe, brought to you in partnership with ADA Mideast.
The magic of a one-pot meal cannot be overstated. As a busy parent juggling three kids at dinnertime, anything that reduces the pile of dishes at the end of the night is a huge win. This recipe ensures a delicious, hearty dinner on the table with absolute ease and minimal post-meal cleanup, making it a perfect fit for any busy household.
For those who frequent this corner of the internet, you know my deep appreciation for Mediterranean ingredients. The robust flavors of kalamata olives, the delicate tang of artichoke hearts, and the sweetness of fresh tomatoes are staples in my kitchen. When these vibrant ingredients come together with succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta, it creates a symphony of tastes that’s truly irresistible. And let’s not forget the star of the show: that creamy, intensely flavorful roasted red pepper sauce that ties everything together. The harmonious blend of these components makes this dish truly special.
The Secret to the Sauce: Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Perfection
While the combination of fresh Mediterranean ingredients is undeniably delicious, the sauce is what truly elevates this pasta dish. A well-crafted sauce can transform a simple meal into an extraordinary culinary experience, adding layers of depth and flavor that set it apart. Our roasted red pepper sauce is no exception; it’s creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced, making this dish unforgettable.
This exquisite sauce is made by blending sweet roasted red peppers with creamy lactose-free milk (or regular milk, depending on your dietary needs), rich tomato paste, aromatic herbs, and a touch of tahini for an earthy depth and silky texture. The tahini not only adds a unique flavor but also helps to naturally thicken the sauce, ensuring it coats every piece of pasta and shrimp beautifully. If tahini isn’t available or preferred, you can simply use a bit more tomato paste to achieve a similar thickness.
Essential Ingredients for Your One Pot Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta
Crafting this flavorful dish starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich, layered taste profile that makes this pasta so satisfying. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
For the Main Shrimp Pasta:
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for its pungent aroma and depth of flavor. While garlic powder can be a last resort, fresh minced garlic truly makes a difference.
- Red Onion: Red onion adds a touch of sweetness and mild sharpness. If unavailable, sweet onion or shallots are excellent alternatives.
- Pasta: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. I personally love a medium-sized pasta, like orecchiette or penne, as it pairs wonderfully with shrimp and scoops up the sauce perfectly. Feel free to use your favorite; even angel hair or spaghetti would work if you adjust cooking times slightly.
- Broth: Chicken broth forms the savory base for cooking the pasta and creating the sauce. For an even more homemade taste, try my Homemade Chicken Broth. Vegetable broth or stock are also fantastic options, especially for a vegetarian-friendly base (just omit the shrimp or substitute with chickpeas!).
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen (and thawed) shrimp, peeled and deveined. Medium or large shrimp work best, as they cook quickly and remain tender.
- Kalamata Olives: Their distinct briny, fruity flavor is a hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine. Halved olives distribute their taste beautifully throughout the dish.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness when cooked, adding a fresh, juicy element.
- Fresh Spinach: Spinach wilts down quickly, adding a boost of nutrients and a lovely green color without overpowering the other flavors.
- Artichoke Hearts: Quartered artichoke hearts, either from a can (drained) or jar (in oil or water), bring a tender, slightly tangy texture that complements the other ingredients.
For the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
- Milk: The base for our creamy sauce. You can use full-fat cream, 2% milk, or for those with sensitivities, lactose-free milk works perfectly without compromising on texture or taste.
- Roasted Red Peppers: These are the star! Roasted red peppers provide a sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy foundation for the sauce. For an extra smoky kick, consider using fire-roasted red peppers.
- Spices and Herbs: A blend of basil, oregano, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes creates a rich, aromatic, and subtly spiced sauce. The crushed red pepper is optional but adds a lovely warmth.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato paste deepens the savory flavor and contributes to the sauce’s body.
- Tahini Paste: I adore the addition of tahini paste. It introduces an earthy, nutty richness that truly makes the sauce unique. However, if you prefer, it can be omitted, or you can use a bit more tomato paste for thickening.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves for the sauce itself, enhancing its overall savory profile.
How to Easily Make This One Pot Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta
This recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Follow these straightforward steps to create a delicious meal with minimal effort.
For the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
Step 1: Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the milk, roasted red peppers, basil, oregano, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, pepper, tomato paste, tahini, and minced garlic. Blend thoroughly until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; then set aside.
For the Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta:
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened, being careful not to brown the garlic.
Step 2: Cook Pasta in Broth: Pour in the 4 cups of broth and add your chosen pasta. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking. Continue cooking for approximately 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 3: Add and Cook Shrimp: Once the pasta is nearly done, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot along with a dash of salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring gently, until the shrimp turns opaque and pink. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become tough.
Step 4: Incorporate Mediterranean Veggies: Stir in the halved kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and quartered artichoke hearts. Continue to cook for a few minutes until the spinach wilts down. Use your spoon or tongs to gently mix the spinach into the warm pasta, helping it to cook evenly.
Step 5: Finish with Sauce: Slowly pour the prepared roasted red pepper sauce into the pot, stirring continuously to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Let it simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to warm through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish your delicious One Pot Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta generously with fresh chopped parsley, an extra sprinkle of crushed red pepper for those who like a kick, and a grating of your favorite cheese, such as feta or Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Pair with Your Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta
This One Pot Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but sometimes a perfect side dish can elevate the experience even further. Here are some fantastic pairing suggestions:
- Potatoes: I often enjoy serving potatoes alongside our main meals. Some of my personal favorites that would complement this dish include these Gouda Smashed Potatoes for a rich, cheesy bite, these vibrant Spicy Lebanese Potatoes for a zesty kick, or the bright and fresh Lemon Cilantro Potatoes.
- Salads: Incorporating a fresh salad is a wonderful way to add more greens and vegetables to your meal. Try serving this pasta with a light and peppery Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts, a hearty and nutritious Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing, or a colorful and protein-rich Mediterranean Bean Salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted vegetables are always a good choice. Consider pairing this shrimp pasta with perfectly tender Simple Roasted Broccoli, the uniquely flavored Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt Tahini Sauce, or sweet and earthy Za’atar Roasted Carrots.
More Delicious Shrimp Recipes to Explore
If you’re a fan of shrimp dishes, you’ll love these other easy and flavorful recipes:
- AIR FRYER COCONUT SHRIMP
- HONEY GARLIC SRIRACHA SHRIMP
- SAUSAGE SHRIMP FOIL PACK
- SHRIMP KALE ARTICHOKE PASTA
- EASY CAJUN SHRIMP
- EASY SHRIMP CURRY
Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below! Subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on
Facebook,
Instagram, or
Pinterest for the latest.
One Pot Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta
Julia Jolliff
15 minutes
25 minutes
40 minutes
6
Pin
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves,, minced
- 1/4 red onion,, finely chopped {about 2/3 cup}
- 8 ounces of pasta,, your choice
- 4 cups broth {you can use vegetable or chicken}
- 1 pound shrimp,, peeled and deveined
- 6 ounces kalamata olives,, halved
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes,, halved
- 8 ounces fresh spinach
- 6 ounces artichoke hearts,, quartered
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
- 1 cup lactose-free milk
- 12 ounces roasted red peppers
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper {optional for spice}
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 Tablespoons tahini paste
- 2 garlic cloves,, minced
Garnish:
- Parsley
- Crushed red peppers
- Cheese of your choice
Instructions
For the roasted red pepper sauce:
-
In a blender, put the milk, roasted red peppers, basil, oregano, crushed red peppers, salt, pepper, tomato paste, tahini and garlic. Blend until the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings and set aside.
For the Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta:
-
In a large pot or skillet, heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
-
Add the onion and garlic in and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the broth and pasta and bring to a boil over high heat.
-
Turn the heat down to medium and simmer, stirring frequently and cook for 8 minutes or until pasta is done.
-
Add the shrimp and a dash of salt and pepper and cook until the shrimp turns pink, about 3-4 minutes.
-
Add the olives, tomatoes, spinach and artichokes and cook until the spinach is wilted {you will want to use your spoon to mix the spinach with the pasta dish as it wilts}.
-
Slowly pour in the roasted red pepper sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is well mixed in.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley, crushed red pepper and the cheese of your choice.
Notes
- This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your taste preferences. Feel free to add other ingredients you enjoy or omit those you don’t. Consider adding white beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber, or other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more color and nutrients. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, or fresh mozzarella.
- While I often use a smaller pasta shape like orecchiette or cavatappi, you can use any pasta you prefer. Just ensure it’s a type that holds up well with the sauce and other ingredients. Always stir frequently during cooking to prevent sticking.
- For optimal flavor, use fresh, good-quality shrimp. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before adding them to the pot. This helps them cook evenly and prevents the dish from becoming watery.
- This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 42g,
Protein: 25g,
Fat: 12g,
Saturated Fat: 2g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 7g,
Trans Fat: 0.003g,
Cholesterol: 122mg,
Sodium: 2217mg,
Potassium: 789mg,
Fiber: 5g,
Sugar: 5g,
Vitamin A: 4695IU,
Vitamin C: 50mg,
Calcium: 205mg,
Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?
Mention @acedarspoon or tag #acedarspoon!
Today’s post is sponsored by ADA Mideast. As always, opinions are 100% my own.