Shrimp Saganaki Recipe (One-Pan Greek Shrimp Dinner)

Shrimp Saganaki is a bold, flavorful Greek seafood dish that's ready in under 30 minutes. Featuring juicy shrimp simmered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with crumbled feta cheese, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights, or any time you crave Mediterranean comfort food. Serve it with toasted bread to soak up every drop of the irresistible sauce.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Packed with Mediterranean flavor: Garlic, tomatoes, shrimp, and feta come together in one savory skillet.
• Fast and easy: Simple steps and minimal prep make it perfect for busy evenings.
• Restaurant-quality at home: Impress your guests with a dish that feels fancy but is secretly effortless.
• Great for sharing: Serve as a main dish or as a meze (Greek appetizer) for your next gathering.

What Is Shrimp Saganaki?

Shrimp Saganaki (or Garides Saganaki) is a classic Greek seafood dish made by simmering shrimp in a garlicky tomato sauce, then finishing it with crumbled feta cheese. The name "saganaki" refers to the small, two-handled pan used for cooking and serving the dish, though any skillet works just fine. This dish is a staple in coastal tavernas throughout Greece and is typically served with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the vibrant sauce.

Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Saganaki

• Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp: Deveined and peeled for quicker prep.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They only need a few minutes—once they turn pink, they’re done!
• Ripe tomatoes = better flavor: Use in-season tomatoes or canned San Marzano if fresh ones aren’t sweet enough.
• Crumbled feta: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the rich tomato sauce.
• Add chili flakes (optional): For a bit of heat and extra depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "saganaki" mean?

“Saganaki” refers to the small frying pan used in Greek cooking. It also describes dishes prepared in that pan—most famously, shrimp or fried cheese.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes! Use one 14-ounce can of whole peeled or diced tomatoes if fresh aren’t available. Simmer until slightly thickened.

What kind of shrimp should I use?

Medium or large shrimp work best. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for convenience.

Is this dish spicy?

Traditionally, it's not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce in advance, but add the shrimp and feta just before serving to keep them tender and fresh.

How to Store Shrimp Saganaki

Allow leftovers to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat until just heated through—avoid overcooking the shrimp again.

How to Freeze Shrimp Saganaki

It’s best to freeze just the sauce (without the shrimp or feta). The sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat and add fresh shrimp and feta when ready to serve. Freezing cooked shrimp can make them rubbery, so it's better to cook them fresh.

How to Make Shrimp Saganaki

Step 1

Step 1

Peel and finely chop the onion. Slice or dice the tomatoes.

Peel and finely chop the onion. Slice or dice the tomatoes.

In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened.

Step 2

Step 2

In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened.

Stir in the tomato paste, then add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10–15 minutes.

Step 3

Step 3

Stir in the tomato paste, then add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10–15 minutes.

Place the shrimp into the sauce. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.

Step 4

Step 4

Place the shrimp into the sauce. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.

Turn off the heat. Crumble the feta over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Step 5

Step 5

Turn off the heat. Crumble the feta over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

In a separate pan, drizzle olive oil and toast the bread slices until golden and crisp.

Step 6

Step 6

In a separate pan, drizzle olive oil and toast the bread slices until golden and crisp.

Spoon the shrimp saganaki into bowls or onto plates, and serve hot with the toasted bread on the side.