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Okay y’all, this Baked Feta Pasta with Shrimp is one of those dishes that makes you feel like a gourmet chef, but it’s so easy, you won’t even break a sweat! I’m talking about juicy, buttery shrimp, roasted tomatoes that burst with sweetness, and that block of feta that turns into creamy, tangy goodness.
You mix all that with lemon zest and fresh basil, and honey, it’s a game-changer!
If you like this recipe, check out my Bang Bang Salmon Bites and Steamed Snow Crab Legs.
Ingredients for baked feta pasta
Feta cheese: The star of the show! It melts into a creamy sauce with tangy goodness that coats every bite of pasta.
Grape or cherry tomatoes: These little gems burst with sweetness after roasting and balance the richness of the feta.
Olive oil: Keeps everything roasting and adds a rich, velvety touch to the sauce.
Red pepper flakes & Italian seasoning: A little heat and some classic Italian herb flavors to elevate the dish.
Garlic: Sliced, not minced, so you get those soft, roasted garlic bites. Yes, please!
Fusili pasta: The perfect shape to grab all that creamy feta sauce.
Shrimp: Tender, juicy, and seasoned just right with garlic, paprika, and lemon zest.
Lemon zest: Adds that bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Fresh basil: A fresh, herbaceous finishing touch that brings the whole dish together.
How to make baked feta pasta with shrimp
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the feta in the center of a baking dish, surround it with tomatoes and garlic, and drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle it with red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning, then roast for 25 minutes. While the feta roasts, cook the pasta until al dente, saving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Season the shrimp with garlic, paprika, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Once the feta is melted and bubbly, stir it with the tomatoes and place the shrimp on top. Bake for another 10 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through.
Toss everything with the pasta, add fresh basil, and enjoy!
Commonly asked questions
Yes! If you don’t have feta, you can use goat cheese or even ricotta. Keep in mind that feta cheese has a unique tanginess, but the dish will still be delicious.
You can switch it up with chicken, scallops, or tofu for a plant-based version. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you’re using. The shrimp adds a light, fresh touch, but any protein will work!
Leftovers will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat gently to keep the shrimp tender.
Baked Feta Pasta with Shrimp
Ingredients
pasta:
- 8 oz feta cheese
- 2 pints grape tomatoes
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1/3 cup basil , chopped
- 10 oz fusili pasta
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
Shrimp:
- 1/2 lb jumbo shrimp , cleaned
- Pinch of Salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest
- A squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Start bringing a pot of water to a boil for the pasta.
- In a baking dish add the feta cheese in the center. Place the tomatoes & garlic around the cheese in the dish. Pour the olive oil evenly so it coats the cheese and tomatoes. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning all over the cheese and tomatoes. Stir a bit to make sure the tomatoes and garlic all have olive oil on them. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes.
- In the meantime salt your pasta water with about 1tsp of salt. Add the pasta to the water and boil until al dente, about 8 minutes. Or look at the suggested time on the package. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water on the side, we will add this to the dish to thin out the sauce. Drain pasta and set aside.
- In a bowl take your clean shrimp and add all the seasonings, olive oil, lemon zest and lemon juice. Massage the everything into the shrimp.
- After the 25 min is up, take out the baked feta. Stir it up a bit and place the shrimp on top in a layer but not crowded. Place back in the oven and cook for another 10 minutes.
- In the same dish or a separate bowl mix together the pasta and baked feta/shrimp combo. Sprinkle with the basil and more lemon zest if you’d like and mix together.
- Eat & enjoy!
Video
@theres.food.at.home My version of the viral #fetapasta with shrimp. Full recipe on my blog. [IB: @liemessa the original creator] #bakedfeta #pasta ♬ Play Date – Rohan Saridena
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.