Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is a delicious dish packed with tender shrimp, a rich and creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. The creamy texture blends perfectly with the slight…
Tip: save now, cook later.Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is a delicious dish packed with tender shrimp, a rich and creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. The creamy texture blends perfectly with the slight tang from the tomatoes and the bright pop of green from the spinach, making it a meal that feels both comforting and fancy at the same time.
I love making this dish because it comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The sauce is buttery and smooth, and the shrimp cook just right—juicy and flavorful without getting rubbery. Whenever I make it, I always find myself licking the spoon and wishing there was more sun-dried tomato flavor throughout.
My favorite way to serve Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is over a bed of warm pasta or alongside some crusty bread to soak up all that tasty sauce. It’s a great weeknight dinner but also shines if you want to impress guests without too much fuss. I’m pretty sure this one gets everyone asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this dish since they cook quickly and stay juicy. If fresh shrimp aren’t available, frozen shrimp thawed properly can be used.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add richness, but if using dry ones, soak them in warm water before cooking. They’re key to the tangy flavor here.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy and smooth. For a lighter option, you can try half-and-half, but the sauce may be less thick.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly and adds nice color and nutrients. If you prefer, baby spinach or even kale could be substituted for a different texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce. Grate it fresh if possible for best flavor. You could substitute Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
How Do I Make Sure the Shrimp Stay Tender and Don’t Overcook?
Shrimp cook very fast, so keeping them tender is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Season shrimp before cooking with salt, pepper, and some Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil until shimmering but not smoking, then add shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook shrimp 2 minutes per side—it’s enough for them to turn pink but not turn rubbery.
- Remove shrimp from the pan right after cooking to avoid carryover heat overcooking them.
Following these steps will give you juicy, flavorful shrimp that blend perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking shrimp evenly and making the creamy sauce all in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – gentle for stirring the sauce without scratching your skillet.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amount of cream, broth, and seasonings every time.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked Italian sausage along with shrimp for a meatier dish with added spice.
- Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard to change up the greens and add a slightly different texture.
- Stir in a handful of sliced mushrooms when sautéing garlic for an earthy boost.
- Toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of lemon zest to brighten the creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed or rehydrated if dry)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, thinly sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 to 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 5 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 15 to 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Place the shrimp in the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside for now.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Make It Creamy and Finish:
Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce thickens a bit. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts. Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for another minute to warm through. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and if you like a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Serve your creamy Tuscan shrimp warm over pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread for a delicious meal everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water, then pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with Something Lighter?
You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option, but the sauce might be less rich and creamy. If using coconut milk, the flavor will be slightly different but still tasty!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Tuscan Shrimp?
This dish is great served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a low-carb option, try serving it with zucchini noodles or a side of roasted vegetables.
