Shrimp and Feta Bake

The key to perfectly cooked shrimp in a bake is all about heat management and timing. Nestling them into the hot, tomatoey base ensures they turn pink and tender without a hint of rubberiness. This simple truth is the heart of my go-to weeknight wonder, a Shrimp and Feta Bake that feels like a cozy hug from the Mediterranean. I remember the first time I pulled this bubbling dish from the oven on a frantic Tuesday. The scent of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs filled the kitchen, and the promise of a delicious, fuss-free dinner instantly melted the day’s stress away. It’s that kind of magic I want for your table, too.

This Shrimp and Feta Bake recipe is the epitome of comfort food, made easy. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special—juicy shrimp, tangy feta, and a vibrant tomato sauce that soaks into every bite. Whether you’re looking for healthy dinner recipes that don’t skimp on flavor or easy Mediterranean diet recipes simple enough for any night, this one-pan marvel delivers. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results. Let’s make a meal that feels like home.

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Ingredients List for Shrimp and Feta Bake

This Shrimp and Feta Bake comes together with a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients. You’ll likely have most in your pantry already, making it a perfect last-minute dinner hero.

• 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 ounces block feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Smart Swaps & Notes:

• Shrimp: Frozen shrimp work beautifully here. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water before using.
• Feta: For the best flavor and creamy texture, use a block of feta in brine rather than pre-crumbled. If you need a dairy-free option, a firm, salty vegan cheese can stand in.
• Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a wonderful smoky depth. For a fresher take in summer, use about 2 cups of chopped ripe fresh tomatoes.
• Herbs: No fresh parsley? A tablespoon of chopped fresh dill or basil is a lovely finish.

Timing for Your Easy Mediterranean Dinner

One of the best things about this Shrimp and Feta Bake is how quickly it comes together. From fridge to table in under an hour, it’s a lifesaver on busy evenings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

That’s nearly 30% faster than many traditional baked pasta dishes, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the incredible aromas filling your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a flawless Shrimp and Feta Bake every single time.

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is a small but crucial step—it helps them sear properly instead of steaming. Dice your onion, mince the garlic, and crumble the feta. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large, oven-safe skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown!

3. Build the Flavor Base

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.

4. Assemble and Bake

Remove the skillet from the heat. Nestle the prepared shrimp evenly into the hot tomato sauce. Scatter the crumbled feta cheese generously over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the feta is soft and slightly golden at the edges.

5. Finish and Serve

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven—remember, the handle is hot! Sprinkle the baked dish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. The bright lemon juice cuts through the richness perfectly.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this flavorful bake is both satisfying and nourishing, fitting beautifully into a balanced approach to eating.

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 18g

This Shrimp and Feta Bake is a fantastic source of lean protein from the shrimp, and tomatoes provide vitamin C and lycopene. Using olive oil, a cornerstone of Mediterranean diet fish recipes, adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. For a deeper dive into Mediterranean flavors, my Mediterranean Baked Cod is another fantastic, healthy option.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy tools for this Shrimp and Feta Bake. A few basics are all it takes:

• A large, oven-safe skillet (10-12 inches is ideal). This is the only pan you’ll need to wash!
• A sharp knife and cutting board.
• Measuring spoons.
• A wooden spoon or spatula.
• (Optional) Microplane for mincing garlic.

If you love the convenience of one-pan meals, my One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp is another quick-cooking recipe you’ll adore.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Feta Bake Recipe

1. Incredibly Easy & Fast: Minimal prep, one pan, and under 40 minutes total. It’s the definition of a weeknight win.
2. Bursting with Mediterranean Flavors: Tangy feta, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic herbs create a cozy, transportive dish that’s far from boring.
3. Impressive with Minimal Effort: This Shrimp and Feta Bake looks and tastes like something from a restaurant, making it perfect for casual entertaining.
4. Highly Adaptable: Easily adjust the spice level, add veggies like spinach or bell peppers, or swap proteins. It’s a forgiving formula.
5. Comfort Food You Feel Good About: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a wholesome meal that satisfies every craving.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

This Shrimp and Feta Bake is already quite balanced, but here are some easy tweaks:

• Lower Fat: Reduce the feta to 4 ounces or use a reduced-fat variety. You can also use a light drizzle of olive oil.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped zucchini with the tomato sauce to simmer. Add sliced mushrooms when sautéing the onion.
• Higher Protein: Use extra-large or jumbo shrimp. You could also add a can of rinsed white beans to the sauce for extra fiber and protein.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your canned tomato products don’t contain any hidden additives.

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant bake is a complete meal on its own, but it loves company. Here’s how to build a memorable dinner:

• For Sopping Up Sauce: Serve with crusty bread, over a bed of fluffy rice, or with orzo pasta. For a classic pairing, my Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo is a fantastic side.
• Fresh Sides: A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or a crisp Greek Orzo Salad balances the richness beautifully.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad are all excellent choices.
• Presentation: Serve the Shrimp and Feta Bake right from the skillet at the table for a rustic, family-style feel. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these simple pitfalls for the best Shrimp and Feta Bake experience:

1. Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Once they curl into a “C” shape and turn opaque, they’re done. Baking for the full 15 minutes is usually perfect for large shrimp.
2. Using Pre-Crumbled Feta: The block feta in brine is creamier, tangier, and melts more appealingly than the dry, pre-crumbled kind. It’s worth the extra minute to crumble it yourself.
3. Skipping the Simmer: Letting the tomato sauce simmer before adding the shrimp is non-negotiable. It concentrates the flavors and ensures your sauce isn’t watery.
4. Adding Raw Garlic Too Early: Garlic burns in a flash. Add it at the very end of sautéing the onions, just to wake up its flavor, then immediately add the tomatoes.
5. Forgetting the Lemon: The fresh lemon juice at the end is not just a garnish—it’s a vital flavor component that brightens the entire dish.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Leftovers: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems thick.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled Shrimp and Feta Bake, as the texture of the shrimp and dairy can change. However, you can freeze the tomato sauce base (without shrimp or feta) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat, add fresh shrimp and feta, and bake as directed.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the tomato sauce base up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, reheat the sauce in your skillet, then proceed with adding the shrimp and feta to bake.

Conclusion

At its core, this Shrimp and Feta Bake is about more than just dinner—it’s about creating a warm, flavorful moment in the middle of a busy week. It proves that healthy dinner recipes can be utterly delicious and that easy Mediterranean diet recipes simple enough for a Tuesday can still feel like a celebration. With its juicy shrimp, creamy feta, and vibrant sauce, this dish is comfort food, made easy.

I hope this recipe finds its way into your regular rotation and brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. If you’re looking for other ways to enjoy the brilliant combination of spinach and feta, my Spinach Feta Omelet is a fantastic quick breakfast or lunch. Now, I’d love to hear from you! Let me know how your Shrimp and Feta Bake turned out in the comments below. And if you share a photo of your creation, don’t forget to tag @HarmonyMeal. Happy cooking.

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