Ellie Krieger’s Healthy Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta: A Flavorful One-Pan Weeknight Meal

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this incredible Ellie Krieger’s Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta dish. It’s not just a meal; it’s a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly easy one-pan wonder that brings Mediterranean-inspired flavors right to your table. Perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something nutritious yet utterly delicious, this recipe promises to impress with minimal effort and maximum taste.

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For the second consecutive week, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into an Ellie Krieger recipe as an enthusiastic member of the Craving Ellie in my Belly group. Discovering this supportive community and finally acquiring her cookbook has been a game-changer in my kitchen. It’s filled with recipes that perfectly align with my passion for healthy, flavorful eating – meals I’d genuinely enjoy making any day of the week. Knowing that each dish is not only delicious but also incredibly good for you makes the cooking experience even more rewarding. Ellie Krieger’s approach to wholesome ingredients and simple preparation truly resonates with my desire for nutritious yet accessible home cooking, empowering me to create nourishing meals with confidence.

Embracing Healthy Eating with Ellie Krieger’s Recipes

Ellie Krieger has a remarkable ability to transform everyday ingredients into extraordinary, health-conscious meals that don’t compromise on taste. Her philosophy centers around making nutritious food appealing, easy to prepare, and approachable for everyone, which is exactly what I look for in a recipe. The “Craving Ellie in my Belly” group provides a wonderful platform to explore her culinary genius, sharing experiences, insights, and tips with fellow food lovers. This communal aspect adds another layer of enjoyment to cooking, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and try new dishes regularly. It’s a fantastic way to stay motivated on a healthy eating journey, with a new inspiring recipe to try and discuss each week. The support and camaraderie within the group make healthy cooking an exciting adventure.

This Week’s Star: Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta

This week’s selected recipe, Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta, was a brilliant choice by Pamela from Cookies with Boys. From the moment I saw the ingredients, I knew it would be a hit. The combination of succulent shrimp, bright, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated. I was immediately drawn to its simplicity and the promise of a vibrant, healthy meal that could be prepared with minimal fuss. This dish perfectly embodies the Mediterranean spirit, bringing together fresh, high-quality ingredients for a truly satisfying culinary experience.

Personal Touches and Culinary Adjustments for a Perfect Dish

While the original recipe primarily calls for canned diced tomatoes, I was fortunate enough to have a bounty of exceptionally fresh, ripe tomatoes from my grandfather’s Farmer’s Market haul. Opting for these garden-fresh gems added an extra layer of sweetness, brightness, and a richer, more authentic tomato flavor to the dish, truly elevating the overall profile. The rich, sun-kissed taste of these local tomatoes infused the sauce with an unparalleled depth that canned varieties, however good, simply can’t replicate. It’s a testament to how quality ingredients can truly transform a simple meal.

One observation I made during the cooking process was that after baking, there was a bit more liquid than I preferred. For my next attempt, and indeed for this detailed recipe, I plan to simmer the tomato mixture on the stovetop for a slightly longer duration before transferring it to the oven. This extra simmering time allows for greater evaporation, which should help reduce the liquid content, resulting in a thicker, more concentrated sauce that clings beautifully to the shrimp and any accompanying grains or pasta. This minor adjustment ensures the dish has the perfect texture without compromising its delicious, robust flavor, making for a more enjoyable eating experience.

In a moment of culinary spontaneity, I also decided to incorporate some briny Kalamata olives into the mix. While they weren’t explicitly called for in Ellie’s original recipe, their distinct salty, slightly fruity flavor and chewy texture perfectly complement the Mediterranean theme of the dish. My husband, bless his heart, isn’t the biggest fan of olives, but I simply couldn’t resist their allure! Their addition provided a delightful salty counterpoint to the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the feta, making each bite even more exciting and complex for me. This is the beauty of home cooking – the freedom to personalize and experiment with ingredients to suit your own palate, creating a dish that is uniquely yours.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Baked Shrimp

To complete this fantastic meal, I served the baked shrimp with whole wheat orzo, and I cannot express how thrilled I was to discover whole wheat orzo! It’s a fantastic, healthier alternative to traditional pasta, offering a subtle nutty flavor and extra fiber without sacrificing texture. This pairing created a light, yet incredibly satisfying meal that was perfect for a weeknight. The delicate grains of orzo soaked up the rich tomato and feta sauce beautifully, making every mouthful a delight.

Beyond orzo, this versatile baked shrimp dish can be paired with a variety of delicious accompaniments. Consider serving it over fluffy quinoa or brown rice for a gluten-free and nutrient-dense option, or alongside a generous helping of crusty whole-grain bread to soak up every last drop of that delectable tomato and feta sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would also make an excellent addition, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory flavors of the shrimp. For an even more vegetable-forward meal, you could serve it with steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach with garlic, or roasted zucchini. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a truly adaptable choice for any occasion, whether it’s a quick family dinner or a more elaborate gathering.

Tips for Perfect Baked Shrimp Every Time

Shrimp Selection and Prep: Always opt for fresh or sustainably sourced frozen shrimp. Ensure they are peeled and deveined before cooking for the best texture and eating experience. Thaw frozen shrimp thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water.
Shrimp Doneness: Shrimp cooks very quickly, transforming from translucent to opaque pink in a matter of minutes. Bake until they just turn pink and opaque, typically around 10-12 minutes. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough, so keep a close eye on them! A minute or two can make all the difference.
Tomato Quality: While canned tomatoes are convenient, using high-quality diced tomatoes makes a significant difference in flavor. If using fresh, as I did, ensure they are ripe, juicy, and flavorful. You might need to simmer fresh tomatoes a bit longer to achieve the desired consistency and reduce excess moisture.
Reducing Liquid for a Thicker Sauce: As mentioned, if you prefer a thicker, more concentrated sauce, simmer the tomato mixture on the stovetop for an additional 5-10 minutes before adding the shrimp and baking. This allows the liquid to reduce and the flavors to intensify, ensuring a luscious sauce that coats everything beautifully.
Fresh Herbs are Key: Don’t skip the fresh parsley! It adds a burst of vibrant freshness that brightens the entire dish and provides a lovely aromatic finish. Fresh basil or a sprinkle of fresh oregano could also be wonderful additions, complementing the Mediterranean profile.
Adjusting Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference. A small pinch adds a subtle warmth and depth, while a bit more can give it a noticeable and delightful kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Choosing the Right Skillet: An oven-proof skillet is essential for this one-pan recipe. Cast iron or a good quality stainless steel skillet will work perfectly, allowing you to transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven.

More Delicious Shrimp Recipes to Explore

I am constantly on the lookout for new and exciting fish and seafood recipes to add to my repertoire, especially those featuring succulent shrimp. Their quick cooking time, delicate flavor, and incredible versatility make them a go-to ingredient for healthy, fast, and satisfying meals on any day of the week. If you, like me, enjoy the delightful taste and ease of shrimp dishes, then you’ll definitely want to try some of these other fantastic recipes that are sure to become new favorites:

For a creamy and satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet remains light, check out this delightful Shrimp Avocado Pasta. It’s a fresh take on pasta that’s both light and fulfilling, bursting with healthy fats and vibrant flavors.
If you’re in the mood for something packed with flavor and protein, this Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa is an excellent choice. It’s a balanced and wholesome meal that doesn’t skimp on taste, perfect for a post-workout dinner or a healthy lunch.
And for a zesty, aromatic option that’s incredibly simple to prepare, you absolutely must try the Easy Ginger Lime Roasted Shrimp Recipe. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with bright, refreshing flavors that will transport your taste buds.

Print Recipe

Ellie Krieger’s Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
2 (14.5-ounce) cans of no-salt-added diced tomatoes, with their juices (or equivalent fresh, ripe tomatoes, diced)
1/4 cup finely minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
1 tsp dried oregano
Pinch of red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional, but highly recommended for an extra flavor kick!)
1 1/4 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 3 ounces)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature for quick and even cooking, yielding perfectly baked shrimp.
Heat the olive oil in an oven-proof skillet (a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan works wonderfully here) over a medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (along with their juices if using canned). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This simmering step allows the tomato juices to reduce and thicken slightly, concentrating the flavors. If using fresh tomatoes and you desire a thicker sauce, you can simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to further reduce the liquid.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and the optional Kalamata olives. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper, and gently toss to combine, ensuring the shrimp are well coated in the flavorful tomato and herb sauce.
Evenly sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the shrimp and tomato mixture in the skillet. This will create a beautiful, melted crust during baking.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and have turned pink and opaque, and the feta cheese is melted and slightly golden. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Serve immediately, perhaps garnished with a little extra fresh parsley, alongside whole wheat orzo, your favorite pasta, fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or crusty bread to savor all the delicious sauce. Enjoy this healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying one-pan meal!

Recipe adapted from Ellie Krieger, Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger

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A Special Birthday Celebration

Beyond the culinary delights we’ve been exploring, today holds a very special significance for our family: it’s my little girl’s 2nd birthday! It feels like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital, and now she’s a vibrant, curious, and incredibly sweet two-year-old, full of life and boundless energy.

I truly can’t believe how incredibly fast time flies by. Every day brings new discoveries and milestones, and watching her grow and learn right before our eyes is the most wonderful adventure a parent could ask for. Each infectious laugh, every new word she utters, and all the tiny steps she takes fill our hearts with immense joy and gratitude. These precious moments remind me to cherish every second, as they are fleeting and beautiful.

Happy Birthday, my darling Gina!!
xoxo