Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Casserole: A Coastal Classic Reimagined

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You ever crave something that feels indulgent but doesn’t weigh you down? That rare kind of meal that satisfies your soul yet keeps your body feeling light? This Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Casserole might just be your new favorite go-to. It delivers all the comfort of a bubbling baked dish while staying true to the vibrant, fresh, and heart-healthy roots of Mediterranean cooking. Whether you’re winding down on a weeknight or hosting friends on the weekend, this dish sets the tone for something special.   Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

🌍 Why This Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Casserole Will Win You Over

If you’re hunting for a dish that’s simple yet sophisticated, hearty yet balanced, this one ticks every box:

• Packed with lean protein and healthy fats
• Elevated with the creamy tang of crumbled feta
• Infused with the warmth of herbs and garlic
• Low on effort, high on impact
• Ready in just over an hour with minimal cleanup

The magic here is in the layering of familiar ingredients that, when combined, produce a flavor profile that feels entirely fresh and exciting. And it all comes together in one pan.

📝 Your Ingredient List for Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Casserole

👉 What You’ll Need

Ingredient	Amount
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Onion, very finely diced	1 large
Garlic cloves, minced	3 cloves
Sugar	1 teaspoon
Dried thyme	1 teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Chili flakes	¼ teaspoon
Tomato paste	2 tablespoons
Bay leaves	2
Passata	240 g (1 cup)
Diced tomatoes in juice	400 g (14 oz can)
Dry white wine (or water)	120 ml (½ cup)
Shrimp, peeled & deveined	450 g (1 pound)
Feta cheese, crumbled	200 g (7 oz)
Parsley or fresh thyme (garnish)	As desired
Salt and pepper	To taste

💡 Fresh shrimp make a difference, but high-quality frozen ones work just fine when defrosted properly.

🌮 Step-by-Step: Building Layers of Mediterranean Flavor

✅ Step 1: Lay the Foundation

You’ll start by warming the olive oil in a large, oven-safe casserole dish or skillet. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook gently over medium-low heat. You want them soft and just starting to caramelize.

After about 5 minutes, in goes the minced garlic, salt, thyme, sugar, chili flakes, and those fragrant bay leaves. Stir them together and let everything mingle for another 2–3 minutes. That aroma? It’s already irresistible.

🌽 Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

Next, you add the tomato paste and stir it through until it deepens in color. Then pour in the passata, diced tomatoes with juice, and your choice of white wine or water.

Let this simmer gently uncovered for about 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for a thickened, rich tomato sauce that coats the back of your spoon.

🍤 Step 3: Bring in the Shrimp

Once your sauce is thick and rich, nestle the shrimp into it. They’ll need just 2–3 minutes to cook—just until they curl up and turn opaque. Resist the urge to overcook them.

🧀 Step 4: The Feta Finale

Crumble that gorgeous block of feta all over the top. Now slip the dish under a hot broiler for a few minutes. You’re watching for golden edges and creamy pools of feta.

🌿 Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste your sauce and shrimp. Add salt and pepper to balance things out. Sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh thyme right before serving. It brightens the whole dish.

⏳ Your Cooking Time at a Glance

Task	Time
Prepping ingredients	15 minutes
Cooking tomato sauce	30 minutes
Cooking shrimp	3 minutes
Broiling with feta	5 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 5 min

⌛ Serves: 4 portions

🍽️ Pro Tips to Elevate Your Mediterranean Casserole

🔹 Customize with Add-Ins

• Add spinach or kale before broiling for extra greens
• Stir in cooked orzo or couscous to make it more filling
• Try green olives or capers for extra saltiness

🔹 Cooking Secrets

• Use cast iron or ceramic to retain even heat under the broiler
• Don’t skimp on the simmer time—it’s where the magic happens
• Avoid stirring too much once the shrimp go in to keep them tender

🌽 What to Serve with Shrimp and Feta Casserole

• Grilled pita or crusty artisan bread
• Chopped cucumber-tomato salad with lemon dressing
• Lemon-infused rice or herbed quinoa
• A simple glass of citrus sparkling water or dry white wine

This dish does all the heavy lifting, so your sides can stay easy.

🪜 How to Store and Reheat

🚼 Storing Leftovers

• Store in airtight containers up to 3 days
• Not recommended for freezing (shrimp and feta texture suffers)

🔧 Reheating Instructions

• Reheat on stovetop over low heat with splash of broth or water
• Avoid microwave if possible—it can overcook shrimp

❓ Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Casserole FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. You can prep the tomato base up to a day in advance. Just add shrimp and feta right before baking.

Is this recipe healthy?

It fits beautifully into a Mediterranean lifestyle: lean protein, healthy fats, tomatoes, and herbs.

Can I use something other than feta?

Goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even plant-based cheeses can be used, but feta gives the best contrast and creaminess.

How spicy is it?

Mildly warm. Adjust chili flakes up or down to your taste.

What wine goes best with this dish?

Try a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio.

📍 Final Thoughts: Shrimp, Feta, and the Mediterranean in One Bite

When you dig into this dish, you’re not just eating—you’re traveling. You’re tasting sun-drenched tomatoes, salty sea air, and the comfort of a well-loved kitchen. This Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a feeling.

Next time you’re wondering what to cook that feels special but won’t stress you out, turn to this. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a conversation-starter, and a plate-cleaner.

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