A dish combines succulent shrimp with creamy feta and a touch of smoky Espelette pepper for a flavorful twist on classic pasta. It's easy to make and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal any night of the week.
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
25 min
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
5 ounces spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons diced red onion
6 ounces frozen, cooked shrimp
1 teaspoon Espelette pepper powder, or to taste
5 ounces crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
Why This Dish Is Worth Trying
This dish combines tender shrimp with creamy feta and a touch of smoky heat from Espelette pepper. It’s quick to make and full of vibrant flavors that feel both fresh and comforting. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Chef's Cooking Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and just firm.
- Toast the Espelette pepper lightly in the pan to release its aroma before adding other ingredients.
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite, about 11 minutes, then drain it well. While the pasta is cooking, heat some olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onion and let it soften for a couple of minutes. Add the frozen shrimp and sprinkle in the Espelette pepper, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Cook everything until the shrimp are thawed and starting to turn pink, around 3 to 5 minutes. Once the pasta is drained, add it right into the skillet along with the feta cheese. Turn the heat back up to medium-high and give everything a good toss so the feta melts into a creamy sauce that coats the spaghetti. Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the parsley, mint, and chives. Serve it up on two plates and enjoy!
Simple Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. Crusty bread on the side is great for soaking up any leftover sauce. A chilled white wine pairs wonderfully with the seafood flavors.
How To Save Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be refreshed with a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh shrimp can be used. Just cook them briefly in the skillet until pink and opaque before adding the pasta.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Espelette pepper?
You can use smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a similar mild heat and smoky flavor.
How do I prevent the feta cheese from clumping?
Toss the feta with the hot pasta and shrimp over medium-high heat to help it melt into a creamy sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the pasta and shrimp separately, then combine and reheat gently before serving.
Is it okay to use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta you like, such as penne or linguine, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is this dish with Espelette pepper?
Espelette pepper offers a mild, smoky heat that’s not overpowering; you can adjust the amount to your taste.
Can I omit the fresh herbs?
You can omit them, but the parsley, mint, and chives add fresh brightness that complements the dish well.
Should the shrimp be peeled and deveined before cooking?
Yes, use peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and ease of eating.
VP
By Vikram Patel
Recipe Writer
Vikram writes simple recipes with helpful tips to make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
61
home cooks made it!
Reviews (7)
5 out of 5
★★★★★
7 Ratings
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User Reviews
Lucas R.
★★★★★
Mar 11, 2026
Super easy to whip up after work. The feta didn’t melt too much which kept the dish from being too creamy, which I liked. The Espelette pepper gave just enough kick without making it spicy. My partner thought it tasted restaurant-quality!
Ibrahim
★★★★★
Feb 25, 2026
Cooked this for some friends and everyone enjoyed it. The Espelette pepper gave a subtle heat that was just right, and the feta added a really nice dimension. I slightly overcooked the shrimp but it still tasted great. Will be making this again at our next get-together.
David
★★★★★
Feb 07, 2026
Served this for a small dinner party and it was a real hit. The shrimp were perfectly cooked and the feta brought a fresh, salty contrast I didn’t expect but loved. I did reduce the amount of Espelette pepper since my guests are sensitive to spice. Really straightforward recipe that I’ll keep in my rotation.
Sofia
★★★★★
Jan 15, 2026
Made this for a small family dinner and everyone loved it. The texture of the shrimp was perfect, and the feta added that creamy bite I wasn’t expecting. I did forget to peel the shrimp before cooking, which slowed me down a bit, but the flavors were worth it. Will definitely try again soon.
Amina
★★★★★
Dec 30, 2025
First time making this recipe and it turned out great! I wasn’t sure about the Espelette pepper but it added a lovely warmth without being too hot. I did end up cooking the shrimp a little longer by accident but still tasted fantastic. Will make again soon!
Emily R.
★★★★★
Dec 30, 2025
Absolutely delicious and creamy with a subtle kick, the feta really made it special!
Rami
★★★★★
Dec 22, 2025
This recipe was a lifesaver on a busy night. It took less than 30 minutes and still felt special. The shrimp were tender and the slight heat from the pepper was perfect. My daughter asked for seconds, so I’m calling that a success!
Nutrition Facts
Calories400
Fat12 g
Carbs50 g
Protein25 g
Fiber3 g
Sugar4 g
Sodium600 mg
Serving Size: 1 serving
*Nutrition values are estimated and may vary depending on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
