This baked feta pasta with spinach and shrimp is a creamy, cheesy dinner that comes together with minimal effort and big flavor. Inspired by the viral feta pasta trend, this version adds juicy shrimp and fresh spinach to make it hearty enough for a satisfying weeknight meal.
With salty feta, blistered cherry tomatoes, tender pasta, and perfectly cooked shrimp, this feta pasta recipe is comforting, fresh, and easy to customize. It’s ideal when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach and Shrimp
This baked feta pasta with spinach and shrimp is creamy, cheesy, and packed with roasted tomatoes, garlic, and tender shrimp. A perfect weeknight dinner that feels special but is easy to make.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 1 block feta cheese (7–8 oz)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and bake feta with tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic.
- Cook pasta until al dente and reserve some pasta water.
- Sauté shrimp until pink and cooked through.
- Combine pasta, shrimp, spinach, and feta sauce until creamy and smooth.
Notes
Add reserved pasta water as needed for a creamier sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Recipes
Ingredients
For the pasta bake:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 1 block (7–8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Optional for serving:
Grated Parmesan cheese
Crusty bread
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the block of feta in the center of a baking dish. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around it. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft. Remove from the oven and gently mash the feta and tomatoes together to form a creamy sauce.
- While the feta bakes, cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and fresh spinach to the baking dish with the feta sauce. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed for a creamier texture.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately with Parmesan cheese and crusty bread if desired.
Notes and Variations
- Substitutions: Swap shrimp for grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas for a vegetarian feta pasta bake.
- Flavor variations: Add lemon zest for brightness, or stir in sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor.
- Storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make-ahead tips: Roast the feta and tomatoes ahead of time and reheat gently before combining with pasta and shrimp.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 24g
FAQs (GAQs)
Can I use frozen shrimp for baked feta pasta?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well in baked feta pasta as long as they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Excess moisture can water down the creamy feta sauce. Medium or large shrimp are best for texture and presentation. Cooking them separately ensures they stay tender and don’t overcook in the oven. This method keeps the shrimp juicy and flavorful.
What type of pasta is best for feta pasta with shrimp?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal for feta pasta with shrimp. These shapes hold onto the creamy feta and tomato sauce better than long noodles. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works well if cooked just to al dente. The key is choosing a pasta that traps the sauce in every bite.
Can I make this feta pasta recipe without baking?
While baking gives the feta pasta its signature creamy texture, you can make a stovetop version if needed. Simply sauté cherry tomatoes with olive oil and garlic until soft, then crumble in feta and stir until creamy. The flavor will be slightly less roasted but still delicious. Baking, however, provides deeper flavor and better texture.
Is feta pasta good for meal prep?
Feta pasta is great for meal prep because it reheats well and stays flavorful. Store it in individual containers for easy lunches or dinners. Add a splash of water or milk when reheating to restore creaminess. For best results, add fresh spinach after reheating to keep it vibrant.
Love this recipe? Try one of these next!
Creamy Rasta Pasta (30-Min Dinner)
Classic Carbonara Recipe (Rich & Creamy)
5-Min Air Fryer Shrimp and Broccoli
Easy Shrimp Wrap Recipe (15 Minutes)
Check out the full video for creamy baked feta pasta on Pinterest.