Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked pasta that transports you straight to the sunny coastlines of Italy, where every bite is a symphony of flavors. This Shrimp and Feta Rigatoni is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines the succulence of tender shrimp, the tangy richness of feta cheese, and the bright burst of cherry tomatoes in one irresistible dish. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this restaurant-quality recipe that looks impressive but is shockingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add rigatoni pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Return shrimp to the skillet. Add drained rigatoni and toss everything together.
- If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water gradually to create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the pasta and gently mix to distribute.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly—about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Use high-quality feta for maximum flavor—preferably a creamy Greek variety.
- For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine when cooking tomatoes.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish's visual appeal and add a fresh flavor dimension.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its most delicious, with melted feta and perfectly tender shrimp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 220mg
