Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

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Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe – Restaurant-Style Dinner in 30 Minutes

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is a decadent, flavor-packed dish featuring tender shrimp simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. It’s an easy yet elegant dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights, date nights, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

This garlic butter shrimp in cream sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. It’s low carb, keto-friendly, and absolutely irresistible.

🛒 Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for a richer flavor)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 2–3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🍤 How to Make Creamy Tuscan Shrimp (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Shrimp

  • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
  • Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Shrimp

  • Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque.
  • Remove shrimp and set aside on a plate.

✅ Tip: Do not overcook the shrimp—remove them as soon as they turn pink.

3. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
  • Cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to bloom.

4. Make the Cream Sauce

  • Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape any browned bits from the pan.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes if using.

5. Add Spinach and Cheese

  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
  • Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.

6. Finish with Shrimp

  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
  • Toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
  • Simmer for 2–3 minutes until shrimp are heated through.

7. Garnish and Serve

  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  • Serve immediately over pasta, zucchini noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.

🍽️ What to Serve with Tuscan Shrimp

This dish is incredibly versatile. Pair it with:

  • Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, penne, or spaghetti)
  • Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices
  • Steamed rice or risotto
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Zoodles or cauliflower mash for a low-carb meal
  • Grilled asparagus or green beans

🌟 Tips for the Best Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

  • Use fresh shrimp for the best texture. Frozen shrimp works too—just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp, or they’ll become rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes in oil bring the best flavor. Drain them well before chopping.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a creamier sauce that melts smoothly.
  • Adjust sauce consistency: Add more cream or broth if it gets too thick.

📌 Recipe Variations

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Swap shrimp for thinly sliced boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Sear them until golden before making the sauce.

Tuscan Salmon

Pan-sear salmon fillets and simmer in the same creamy Tuscan sauce.

Dairy-Free Option

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.

Add Veggies

Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.

🥶 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat:

Gently warm in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

❌ Do not freeze this dish—dairy-based sauces and shrimp don’t thaw well and may become grainy or rubbery.

📊 Nutrition (Per Serving – 4 Servings)

  • Calories: ~420
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Sugar: 2g

Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.

🍷 Wine Pairing for Tuscan Shrimp

Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay to balance the creamy richness. For red wine lovers, try a light-bodied Pinot Noir.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

  • Quick and easy – ready in 30 minutes or less
  • Packed with flavor – garlic, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan
  • Elegant yet simple – perfect for entertaining or date nights
  • Customizable – swap shrimp for chicken, salmon, or make it vegetarian

This dish tastes like something you’d get at a high-end Italian restaurant—only better, because it’s made fresh in your own kitchen.

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