Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet

Two of my absolute favorites when it comes to cooking are shrimp and the flavors of the Mediterranean diet. When these two come together, something truly special happens. This Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet is the delicious result!

This easy and colorful Shrimp Skillet is a real favorite of mine. The tender shrimp, fresh veggies, and kalamata olives come together beautifully in a tomato-based sauce with vibrant Mediterranean herbs and spices, giving it that unique, sunny flavor. It’s light, flavorful, and satisfying. The best part is that it all comes together in one pan, making it just right for those busy nights when I want something quick, healthy, and packed with Mediterranean goodness.

If you ask me about my favorite cuisine, Mediterranean is right up there with my other love, Indian food. We have some incredible Mediterranean recipes like Coq au Vin, Frutti di Mare and Psari Plaki that capture the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that make this cuisine so special. And when it comes to shrimp, my Gambas al Ajillo, Shrimp Saganaki and Shrimp Fra Diavolo are jam packed with Mediterranean flavors.

Today’s dish is one I created with my family and you in mind, bringing together that wonderful shrimp and Mediterranean theme. I’ve chosen Spanish paprika for its slightly sweet, fruity flavor that’s gentle and not too spicy. Hungarian paprika makes a great substitute with a similar flavor profile, and in a pinch, regular paprika will work too, just use a bit less to keep the balance right.

Ingredients Needed

• Shrimp – I love using fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp. If you are using frozen shrimp, thaw them well and pat dry very well before you start cooking.
• Spanish Paprika – This gives the dish a slightly sweet, fruity flavor that’s mild, adding warmth without heat. If you don’t have it on hand, Hungarian paprika works well too.
• Salt and Pepper – Basic seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish.
• Italian Seasoning – A mix of Mediterranean herbs that add depth to the dish.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings brightness.
• Olive Oil – I love extra virgin olive oil here, it’s essential in Mediterranean cooking.
• Red Onion – Sliced red onion adds a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
• Garlic – Sliced garlic infuses everything with its bold, aromatic flavor.
• Bell Peppers – I go for a mix of red, yellow, and green for a colorful, sweet crunch.
• Zucchini – It adds a mild, fresh flavor and lightens up the dish.
• Campari Tomatoes – These small tomatoes are juicy and slightly sweet, perfect for adding a bit of natural sauce to the skillet. Regular tomatoes work fine too.
• Kalamata Olives – They add a salty, briny kick that ties everything together in a true Mediterranean way.
• White Wine – A splash of white wine adds depth and a subtle acidity to balance the flavors.
• Chicken Broth – Gives little sauciness to my dish.
• Parsley – Freshly chopped parsley adds a final pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet

First, I get my shrimp ready by patting them dry with a paper towel, then seasoning them with paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. I give them a good toss to make sure they’re all nicely coated, then set them aside to soak up all those flavors.

Next, I heat up a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the sliced red onion and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes until it softens and turns slightly golden. Then I toss in the garlic and cook it for a minute, just enough for it to get fragrant but not browned.

After that, I add the sliced bell peppers and cook them for a couple of minutes until they start to soften. Then I add in the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and more paprika, along with a little salt and pepper. I let this all cook together for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.

Then I pour in the white wine and chicken broth, adding the olives and zucchini at the same time. I let this mixture simmer for about 5-6 minutes to bring all those flavors together.

Finally, I add the seasoned shrimp, stirring everything gently so the shrimp cook evenly with all the veggies and sauce. I let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked and tender.

To finish, I adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve it up right away. This dish is always a hit, it’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with Mediterranean flavors!

Alpana’s Tips

Dry the Shrimp Well: Patting the shrimp dry before seasoning helps the seasoning stick better and allows the flavors to soak in more effectively. This way, the shrimp take on the marinade nicely and develop a more flavorful, even taste.

Layer Your Cooking: Sauté the onions and garlic first to build a flavorful base, then add the veggies gradually to keep everything from becoming too soft. This keeps each ingredient’s texture intact.

Keep the Heat Moderate: Cooking over medium to medium-high heat allows the flavors to develop without burning the garlic or overcooking the shrimp, which helps keep everything tender and juicy.

Taste as You Go: Season each layer lightly, then adjust at the end. Adding salt and pepper as you go keeps the flavors balanced and prevents over-salting.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. You want them just cooked through and pink. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.

Finish with Fresh Herbs and Olive Oil: Just before serving, drizzle a bit of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on top and sprinkle with fresh herbs. This adds a final layer of rich, fresh flavor that brings the whole dish together.

Variations

• Switch up the Protein: Sometimes, I swap the shrimp for chicken, scallops, or a mild white fish like cod. Each one absorbs the Mediterranean flavors beautifully, and I just adjust the cooking time to suit the protein.
• Add Extra Veggies: I love tossing in extras like artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, or even baby spinach. They bring new textures and flavors without changing the dish too much.
• Make It Spicy: When I’m in the mood for a bit of heat, I’ll add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper. It adds a nice, spicy kick that balances well with the sweetness of the bell peppers.
• Top with Cheese: For a little extra flavor, I sometimes sprinkle crumbled feta or grated Parmesan over the top. The feta adds a salty tang, while Parmesan adds a warm, nutty note.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Along with parsley, I like to experiment with fresh basil, dill, or oregano. Each one adds its own Mediterranean touch, and it’s fun to see how they change the flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Over Rice, Couscous or Quinoa: I love how the sauce soaks into grains, adding flavor to every bite. It makes the dish feel hearty and satisfying.

With Crusty Bread: Sometimes, I go for a side of crusty bread to scoop up every bit of that delicious sauce. Garlic bread or a fresh baguette is perfect for adding a nice crunch alongside the tender shrimp and veggies.

With Pasta: I’ll toss it with pasta for a Mediterranean twist. Linguine, fettuccine or even orzo work really well with the sauce and flavors.

With Roasted Vegetables: Pairing it with roasted veggies like eggplant, zucchini or cherry tomatoes adds extra Mediterranean flavors and rounds out the meal beautifully.

As Part of a Mezze Spread: Sometimes, I’ll make it part of a larger Mediterranean spread with hummus, tzatziki, olives, pita bread and a fresh Greek salad. It’s a fun way to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures.

Storing Tips

For leftovers, let the shrimp skillet cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it saucy.

While shrimp can technically be frozen after cooking, we generally don’t recommend it. Freezing cooked shrimp can affect its texture, making it a bit tougher and less juicy once reheated.

I hope you enjoy making this Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet as much as I do! It’s one of those meals that brings a little taste of the Mediterranean right to my kitchen, and it never fails to hit the spot.

If you try it out, let me know how you served it or if you made any fun tweaks. I love hearing how everyone makes these recipes their own. Now, grab a fork, dig in, and savor every bite. Happy cooking!

More great shrimp recipes:
Jamaican Jerk Shrimp
Shrimp Etouffee
Prawn Moilee
Shrimp and Grits
Thai Shrimp Curry
Harissa Shrimp
Shrimp Remoulade

Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

My Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet is a quick weeknight dinner full of bold, fresh flavors.

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Ingredients

Seasoning the Shrimp

• 1.5 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tsp Spanish or Hungarian paprika (you can sub it with 1 tsp regular paprika)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet

• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 4 large garlic cloves, sliced
• 3 small bell peppers, (I use red, yellow and green) cut into wedges
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 1 pound Campari small tomatoes (you can sub with 2 medium tomatoes), diced
• 10-12 kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp Spanish paprika (sub with 1/2 tsp regular paprika)
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Season the shrimp with all the seasoning ingredients and set aside.
2. Heat extra virgin olive olive in a large skillet and sauté red onion for 4-5 minutes. Add in garlic and sauté for a minute.
3. Add sliced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add diced tomatoes along with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add white wine and chicken broth along with kalamata olives and zucchini and cook for 5-6 minutes.
5. Add in seasoned shrimp and mix well with the mixture. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until shrimp is fully cooked through.
6. Season for salt and pepper, garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Yield 4 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 708Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 360mgSodium 2226mgCarbohydrates 42gFiber 2gSugar 34gProtein 40g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.