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Roasted shrimp with tomatoes, olives, and feta is the kind of Mediterranean-inspired dinner that feels special without requiring much fuss. Juicy shrimp simmer in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, cinnamon, and cloves, while briny olives and crumbled feta bring plenty of Greek-inspired flavor. Serve it straight from the skillet with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.
The recipe brings back memories of summer dinners at my friend Sarah's house, where her family always seemed to have a feast on the table. Sarah's dad was known for making this baked shrimp dish, inspired by a Greek restaurant nearby. Everyone had their part in the meal, from steaks and salads to homemade pies, but this shrimp dish was always one of my favorite things to eat. Once I finally tried making it myself, I understood why it had become a family favorite.
What Makes This Greek-Inspired Shrimp Dish So Good?
The secret to this dish is how a few simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavor. The tomatoes cook down into a rich sauce with sautéed onion and garlic, while a touch of cinnamon and cloves adds warmth inspired by Greek cooking. Green olives bring a salty, briny bite, and crumbled feta softens as it bakes, adding a creamy contrast to the sauce.
Shrimp are a great fit for this kind of one-pan meal because they cook quickly and soak up the flavors around them. As everything bakes together, the sauce becomes savory and rich without feeling too heavy. Fresh dill adds a bright finish, and a piece of crusty bread is practically essential for scooping up the tomato sauce left in the pan.
It's an easy dish to serve for a relaxed summer dinner, but the combination of Mediterranean flavors makes it just as appealing any time you're craving something a little different from the usual weeknight meal.
Ingredients for Roasted Shrimp with Tomatoes, Olives & Feta
This recipe relies on a handful of Mediterranean staples that bring plenty of flavor without a lot of extra work. The tomato sauce builds the base, while olives, feta, and fresh herbs give the finished dish its Greek-inspired character. Here's what you'll need and what each ingredient brings to the table.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook right in the sauce, picking up the flavors of the garlic, tomatoes, and spices.
- Canned whole tomatoes: Form the base of the sauce, breaking down as they cook into a rich, savory mixture.
- Onion and garlic: Add sweetness and depth to the tomato sauce as they soften in olive oil.
- Green olives: Bring a salty, briny flavor that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Feta cheese: Adds a tangy, salty finish and softens in the oven as the dish bakes.
- Olive oil: Helps soften the aromatics and adds richness to the sauce.
- Cinnamon and ground cloves: A small amount of these warm spices gives the sauce a distinctive Greek-inspired flavor.
- Cayenne pepper and salt: Season the sauce and add a gentle touch of heat.
- Fresh dill: Provides a fresh, herbal finish that brightens the rich tomato sauce.
Crusty bread is also worth having on hand for serving. The tomato sauce is too good to leave behind, and bread makes it easy to enjoy every last spoonful.
How to Make Roasted Shrimp with Tomatoes, Olives & Feta
This dish comes together in one oven-safe skillet, making both the cooking and cleanup straightforward. The key is to give the tomato sauce time to develop flavor on the stovetop before adding the shrimp and finishing everything in the oven.
1. Build the Tomato Sauce
Start by softening the chopped onion in olive oil until tender, then add the garlic and seasonings. The cinnamon and cloves might seem unexpected in a savory shrimp dish, but they bring warmth to the tomato sauce and give it a distinctly Greek-inspired character. Stir in the green olives and canned tomatoes, breaking up the tomatoes as they cook. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens and the flavors come together.
2. Add the Shrimp and Feta
Once the sauce has developed its flavor, stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp, making sure they're coated in the tomatoes. Scatter the crumbled feta over the top so it can soften and brown as the dish bakes. Try to distribute the shrimp evenly throughout the skillet so they cook at a similar rate.
3. Bake Until the Shrimp Are Cooked
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, the sauce has thickened, and the feta has started to brown. Shrimp cook quickly, so check them toward the earlier end of the recipe's baking window to avoid a rubbery texture.
4. Finish with Fresh Dill and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and finish with fresh dill and a drizzle of olive oil. Bring the pan straight to the table while everything is warm, with plenty of crusty bread on the side for soaking up the tomato sauce. It's a simple meal, but the combination of briny olives, tangy feta, and warm spices makes every bite satisfying.
For the exact ingredient quantities, oven temperature, and cooking times, follow the recipe card below.
Roasted Shrimp with Tomatoes, Olives & Feta Recipe
Recipe Type:
Entree
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
40 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Servings:
2
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- Salt
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch ground cloves
- 6 green olives, pitted and chopped
- One 14-ounce can whole tomatoes in juice
- ½ pound peeled and deveined shrimp
- Heaping ⅓ cup crumbled feta
- Fresh dill, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Set an oven-safe skillet over medium heat and film it generously with olive oil. Add the onion and cook until it's soft, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook 1 more minute, then throw in a pinch of salt and the spices and cook a minute more.
- Add the olives and the tomatoes with their juices, and turn up the heat to bring to a boil. Use your spoon or spatula to break up the tomatoes as you go. Keep cooking until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.
- Taste for seasoning - you want this to be slightly on the salty side.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and stir to cover them with the tomatoes.
- Scatter the feta on top. Place the skillet in the oven and bake 15 to 20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened, the shrimp are cooked, and the feta is brown.
- Drizzle with a little extra olive oil, then serve as soon as you can, with crusty bread to mop it up.
Best Wine Pairings for Roasted Shrimp
With its juicy tomatoes, briny olives, tangy feta, and tender shrimp, this Greek-inspired dish calls for a wine that can keep up with all those flavors without overpowering them. Crisp white wines are a natural place to start, especially alongside the savory tomato sauce and fresh dill.
Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Pinot Gris is an especially good match. Its flavors of green apple, pear, peach, and melon bring a fresh, fruity contrast to the salty feta and olives, while its bright acidity keeps each bite feeling balanced. Serve it chilled alongside the shrimp for an easy pairing that works particularly well for a summer dinner.
If you prefer a richer white wine, Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay is another option. Its ripe tropical fruit, citrus, and buttery notes complement the shrimp and soften the tanginess of the feta. The wine's fuller texture also works nicely with the olive oil and rich tomato sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well in this recipe. Thaw them completely before cooking, then pat them dry to remove excess moisture. Peeled and deveined shrimp make preparation easier and help the dish come together quickly.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are ready when their flesh turns opaque and they curl into a loose C shape. Check them toward the earlier end of the baking time, since overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the tomato sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to cook. When it's time to serve, reheat the sauce, add the shrimp and feta, and finish baking the dish in the oven. For the best texture, cook the shrimp just before serving.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If you don't have feta, try crumbled goat cheese for a similarly tangy flavor and creamy texture. The result will be a little different, but it will still complement the tomatoes, olives, and shrimp.
What should I serve with roasted shrimp, tomatoes, olives, and feta?
Crusty bread is one of the best choices because it soaks up the flavorful tomato sauce. You can also serve the shrimp with orzo, rice, or roasted potatoes. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make easy additions if you'd like a more substantial meal.
What wine pairs best with this recipe?
Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Pinot Gris is an excellent choice. Its fresh fruit flavors and bright acidity balance the salty feta and briny olives without overwhelming the shrimp. For a richer pairing, try Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay alongside the savory tomato sauce and creamy cheese.
