This quick and easy creamy garlic Tuscan shrimp recipe features sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and basil. It’s a luxurious dish that’s rich and decadent, and you can have it ready in 15 minutes!
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
For a meal that combines the rich flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach with succulent shrimp, Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is an excellent choice. This dish features tender shrimp cooked in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, served with a side of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
A Symphony of Richness
The creamy garlic parmesan sauce is the highlight of this dish, providing a luxurious and flavorful base that complements the tender shrimp perfectly. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness, while the spinach brings a fresh, earthy note. The garlic bread on the side is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Ideal for Any Gathering
Whether preparing a cozy dinner for two or looking for a dish to impress your guests, Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is a versatile option. It’s sophisticated enough for a special occasion yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The rich flavors and tender textures make it a dish that everyone will enjoy.
A Guaranteed Hit
This dish is sure to be a favorite among your family and friends. Its comforting presentation and delicious taste make it a standout meal. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of Tuscan cuisine at home, combining the familiar comfort of creamy sauces with the fresh, vibrant notes of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Why you’ll adore it:
This creamy Tuscan shrimp recipe is a fantastic dinner option that gives the impression of a gourmet effort, yet it’s perfect for busy weeknights due to its minimal time and effort requirements! It’s incredibly easy, fast, and exceptionally delicious, leaving a lasting impression.
The timeless combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and basil adds a vibrant contrast to the creamy sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Plus, it’s loaded with garlic. This restaurant-quality shrimp dish is a crowd-pleaser whenever we serve it for effortless entertaining.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Shrimp: Frozen, deveined, and peeled for convenience.
- Butter and flour: To create a quick roux that thickens the sauce.
- Garlic: We’re quite generous with it, but feel free to add even more if you’re a garlic fan. A garlic press can make mincing easy without peeling the cloves.
- Heavy cream: To make the sauce rich and luxurious. I recommend sticking with heavy cream for the best results.
- Lemon juice: Adds a touch of acidity and brightness. Always go for freshly squeezed.
- Italian seasoning: A versatile blend of dried herbs in a single jar, including rosemary and thyme, perfect for enhancing various dishes.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: A star component that complements the basil beautifully.
- Spinach and basil: Bring a burst of freshness, texture, and flavor to the dish.
Shrimp Tips for Success:
- Shrimp Size: 30-40 count size shrimp, considered large but more like medium compared to really large shrimp. Any medium-to-large shrimp will work. Thaw them by running them under cool water.
- Frozen vs. Fresh: Unless you’re by the ocean, frozen shrimp are a great choice. Seafood counter shrimp are often just thawed and may be less fresh.
- Raw vs. Cooked: I prefer raw shrimp for fast cooking; avoid double-cooking to prevent rubbery texture. If using cooked shrimp, heat them through.
- Tails On/Off: I keep tails on for contrast in photos, but feel free to remove them if you prefer.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Chicken Option: Try the same recipe with chicken using my Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe.
- Tomato Substitution: If you don’t like sun-dried tomatoes, try fresh ones, though the Tuscan flavor may change. The sauce may be thinner, but it’s worth a try.
- Spinach: Fresh is best, but you can use thawed, squeezed-out frozen spinach in a pinch.
How to Serve Tuscan Shrimp:
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan on top for extra flavor.
- Enjoy with crusty bread or garlic bread.
- Pair with a side salad, like mixed greens with Easy Italian Dressing.
Leftovers and Storage:
- Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Don’t leave them out too long before refrigerating.
- Avoid freezing due to the cream sauce not holding up well.
- Reheat slowly in a saucepan over low heat to prevent sauce separation, stirring occasionally.
Love Tuscans? Be sure to check out these other great Tuscan recipes!
Creamy Tuscan Orzo
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp 30-40 count size thawed & peeled
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp flour
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped or julienned
- 1-2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- Handful fresh basil cut into thin strips
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- First, melt butter in a large pan on medium-high heat. Add flour and stir for about a minute until it's smooth.
- Next, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it smells good.
- Now, mix in cream, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. If it bubbles too much, turn down the heat.
- Then, put in the shrimp and cook for around 5 minutes until they're cooked through and the sauce thickens a bit. Be careful not to cook them too much.
- After that, add spinach and basil and cook for another 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve right away. If you like, squeeze extra lemon juice on top (optional). You can also sprinkle fresh parmesan on top if you want.
Notes
- If you used sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (and drained the oil), feel free to adjust the quantity as you like—use more or less than suggested based on your preference.
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Creamy Tuscan Shrimp