Spicy Tomato Feta Shrimp Pasta with Garlic and Chili Flakes

This spicy tomato feta shrimp pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re craving something comforting but short on time. In just 20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table. The secret lies in building flavor from the start: sizzle shrimp with garlic and scallions, then use that fragrant oil as the base for a quick tomato sauce. A sprinkle of creamy feta and a pat of butter bring everything together into a silky, satisfying dish.

With its bold flavors and simple technique, this recipe proves that fast cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. The chili flakes add just the right amount of heat, while the feta provides a salty, tangy contrast. Serve it straight from the skillet for a meal that feels special any night of the week.

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Ingredients

0.5 cup Feta CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Crushed TomatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce ShrimpView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce SpaghettiView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sliced scallion to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Stir in the chili flakes and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the butter. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together. Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine works well. Short pasta like penne or rigatoni also works.

Is there a substitute for feta cheese?

You can use crumbled goat cheese or grated Parmesan for a different flavor, but feta’s tanginess is key to this dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.