Tuscan Shrimp
Indulge in our easy 30-minute creamy Tuscan Shrimp recipe, which is as comforting as it is appetizing. It’s a perfect meal for pasta, rice, or zoodles.
Succulent shrimp simmer in a creamy sauce loaded with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasonings, and a fresh twist of spinach.
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe Highlights
- 30-minute creamy shrimp recipe
- rich and creamy
- simple to make
- easy to customize
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
SHRIMP – I opt for large shrimp, peeling them but leaving the tails for a touch of elegance. Thawed, well-patted frozen shrimp works wonders for that perfect sear we love.
HEAVY CREAM – It’s the heart of our sauce, creating that silky, indulgent texture that coats each shrimp beautifully. It turns every bite into a luxurious experience.
SUN-DRIED TOMATOES – I use jarred, oil-free, sun-dried tomatoes to keep our sauce creamy but not greasy. Sometimes, I’ll swap in halved, sautéed cherry tomatoes for a milder, sweeter flavor.
GARLIC – You can either use minced garlic in the jar or mince fresh garlic cloves.
BABY SPINACH – A handful of spinach adds color and a hint of freshness, balancing the sauce’s richness. It’s a simple addition that makes a big difference.
PARMESAN CHEESE – Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a smooth texture and a depth of savory flavor. It’s like the final piece that brings it all together.
ITALIAN SEASONING – Just a pinch brings the essence of Tuscany into our dish, infusing it with aromatic herbs and giving it that authentic Italian taste.
How To Make Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp in butter until opaque.
- In the same skillet, add butter and garlic, then heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Stir in spinach and Parmesan, then return the shrimp to skillet to simmer.
Planning and Leftovers
STORE – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, ready to be enjoyed again.
FREEZE – For longer storage, freeze the Tuscan Shrimp in a suitable container. It’ll be your ticket to a quick, delicious meal on a busy day.
REHEAT – Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid the microwave to keep the shrimp tender.
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Serving Suggestions
RICE OR ZOODLES (Zucchini Noodles) – Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or spiralized zucchini for a lighter option. They soak up the sauce beautifully without weighing you down.
CRUSTY BREAD – Don’t forget a side of crusty bread. It’s perfect for mopping up any sauce left on your plate.
SIMPLE SALAD – Balance the richness with a simple, crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.
A GLASS OF WHITE – A crisp, dry white wine such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc (my favorite) goes really well with the creamy sauce and shows off the shrimp’s sweetness.
Recipe Success Tips
SEASON WELL – Don’t hold back on seasoning your shrimp. A well-seasoned shrimp brings out the best in this dish.
LOW AND SLOW – Cook your shrimp on medium heat. It ensures they’re cooked through but still tender and juicy.
CHEESE LAST – Add Parmesan cheese towards the end. It prevents the sauce from getting too thick too soon, allowing all the flavors to blend.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I add any other vegetables to this recipe?
Adding additional vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and asparagus can also be a great way to customize the recipe to your liking.
Can I replace salmon with the same recipe?
Swapping out shrimp for salmon is a good option for those who love to eat seafood.
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Tuscan Shrimp
Ingredients
For Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined with tails on
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
For Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
- ½ tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes drained from the oil, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 5-6 leaves basil fresh, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping once.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and cover it with aluminum foil.
- Add more butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the garlic and cook for a minute. Then, pour in the heavy cream and deglaze the skillet.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and let them simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. Add the spinach and cook it in the sauce until it wilts.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Italian seasonings, and red pepper flakes. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for 1 minute.
- OPTIONAL: Garnish the Tuscan shrimp with fresh basil, then remove the skillet from the heat.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.
I haven’t made this recipe yet, but ingredients are on my shopping list.
How could it be anything but DELICIOUS with this combo?! Can’t wait!