---
title: Middle-Eastern Style Shrimp Cavatappi
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/middle-eastern-style-shrimp-cavatappi-62cedbce2dddc26a88072179
servings: 2
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 20 minutes
time required: 30 minutes
difficulty: Easy
allergens:
  - Milk
  - Wheat
  - Shellfish
tags:
  - Middle-Eastern
  - Pasta
  - Quick
  - Easy
  - Seafood
rating: 4.0/5
rating_count: 55
source_chef: Recipe Development Team
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: The Shawarma spice blend adds a delicious flavor that many enjoyed, though some found the overall taste didn't come together.
  - theme: Ease of prep
    text: Remember to save the chickpea liquid when draining; it's an important step for the recipe.
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/middle-eastern-style-shrimp-cavatappi.avif"
---
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce. Halve, peel, and finely chop @onion{½%unit}. Peel and mince or grate @garlic{2%cloves}. Drain @chickpeas{15%oz} over a small bowl, reserving liquid; rinse chickpeas and pat dry with paper towels. Dice @tomato{2%unit} into ½-inch pieces. Pat @shrimp{8%oz} dry and set aside.

Once water is boiling, add @cavatappi pasta{6%oz} to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente ~{10%minutes}. Reserve ¾ cup pasta cooking water, then drain.

Meanwhile, heat a large drizzle of @cooking oil{1%tbsp} in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, chickpeas, @shawarma spice blend{1%unit}, a big pinch of @salt{½%tsp}, and @black pepper{¼%tsp}. Cook, stirring occasionally and scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pan, until onion is softened and chickpeas are lightly browned ~{5%minutes}. Add @spinach{3%cups} and reserved chickpea liquid. Cook, stirring, until spinach is wilted and liquid has mostly absorbed ~{3%minutes}. TIP: Add spinach in batches if necessary.

Reduce heat under pan with chickpea mixture to low. Stir in @veggie stock concentrate{1%unit}, @cream cheese{2%oz}, @sour cream{½%cup}, and ⅓ cup reserved pasta cooking water until melted and combined.

Stir in drained cavatappi pasta, tomatoes, half the @feta cheese{½%cup}, and @butter{1%tbsp}. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. TIP: If needed, stir in more reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time until pasta is thoroughly coated in sauce.

Divide cavatappi pasta between bowls. Top with remaining feta cheese and serve.