It’s 6 PM. You’re hungry. The family is hungry. The thought of another boring weeknight dinner is just… exhausting. I get it. We’ve all been there.
What if I told you you could have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes? One that’s bursting with flavor and feels like a vacation on a plate? You can. This Greek Shrimp Scampi with Feta & Olives is your weeknight superhero. It takes the classic garlic-butter-wine magic of shrimp scampi and gives it a sunny Greek twist.
Salty feta, briny olives, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s fast, it’s foolproof, and it will make you feel like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort. Let’s cook.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Greek-Inspired
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ultimate Guide to Greek Shrimp Scampi with Feta & Olives
This isn’t just another shrimp pasta recipe. This is your new secret weapon. Why? Three reasons: maximum flavor, minimum fuss, and crazy speed.
We use a handful of powerhouse ingredients that do all the work. Garlic and butter create the classic scampi base. White wine adds a bright acidity. Then, we toss in the Greek VIPs: feta and kalamata olives.
The feta melts slightly into the sauce, making it creamy and tangy. The olives give you a salty punch in every bite. It feels fancy, but the process is incredibly simple. You’re basically sautéing, simmering, and tossing. That’s it. Dinner is saved.
The Simple Ingredients
Grab these staples. Most are pantry heroes or easy fridge finds. No special trips to the store needed.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4-5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Ready? Set your timer. We’re about to make magic happen in one pan and one pot. The key is to get everything prepped before you start cooking. Mise en place is your friend on busy nights!
- Boil your pasta. Cook the linguine in salted water according to package directions for al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This liquid gold will help our sauce cling to the pasta.
- Sear the shrimp. While the pasta cooks, pat your shrimp dry. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove them to a plate. They’ll finish cooking later in the sauce.
- Build the sauce. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Pour in the white wine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
- Bring it all together. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in half of the crumbled feta, the olives, lemon zest, juice, and oregano. The feta will start to melt into the wine, creating a creamy base. Add the drained pasta and the shrimp back to the skillet.
- Toss and adjust. Toss everything together, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the noodles beautifully. Season with salt and pepper. Taste it! This is the best part.
- Finish and serve. Take the skillet off the heat. Fold in the fresh parsley and the remaining feta crumbles. Serve immediately right from the pan for maximum effect.
What to Serve With This Dish
This shrimp pasta is a full meal on its own. But if you want to round it out, keep it easy. A simple, crisp side is all you need.
Greek Shrimp Scampi with Feta & Olives Recipe
The Simple Ingredients
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Greek Shrimp Scampi with Feta & Olives Recipe!
Nutrition Information
A quick arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is perfect. So is some warmed crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce. Steamed asparagus or green beans also work in a pinch.
The goal is a complete, satisfying dinner without creating more work. These sides get you there.
Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)
No feta? No olives? No problem. This recipe is flexible. Use what you have.
Swap the feta for goat cheese for a similar tangy creaminess. Use a different pasta shape like orzo or penne. If you don’t have wine, use chicken or vegetable broth with an extra squeeze of lemon. For another bright, herby variation, check out our zesty lemon-herb shrimp scampi.
Add chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra veggies. You’re in charge. Make it work for your kitchen.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
This dish is best fresh. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a tiny splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The microwave can make the shrimp rubbery, so the stovetop is best.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~550
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
- Sodium: 900mg (varies with cheese/olives)
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
*This is an estimate. For precise details, consider using a specific calculator with your exact ingredients.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely in the fridge overnight first. Pat them very dry with paper towels before cooking. This ensures a good sear instead of a steam.
What’s the best wine to use?
A dry white wine you’d actually drink. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are perfect. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind great flavor. If you prefer not to cook with wine, use broth.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp cook fast! They’re done when they turn opaque and pink and form a loose “C” shape. An “O” shape means they’re overcooked and tough. Watch them closely.
See? I told you it was easy. In the time it takes to debate takeout, you can have this vibrant, delicious meal on the table. You get all the credit for a gourmet-tasting dinner with a fraction of the work. For another fantastic one-pan solution, try our creamy shrimp scampi orzo.
That’s what busy cooking is all about. Smart shortcuts, big flavors, and getting your night back. Now go grab that skillet and make it happen.
I want to hear about your victory! Did you add a twist? Did your family love it? Let me know how your Greek Shrimp Scampi turns out by leaving a comment and rating below!
