If you love dishes that feel like a warm, flavorful hug, this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort meal. It’s packed with juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that’s brightened by sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and fragrant basil. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want to impress with minimal fuss. The rich cream, tender shrimp, and vibrant greens come together so beautifully that every bite feels like a celebration of simple but sensational flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe lies in the balance of fresh, aromatic, and indulgent ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: the shrimp brings tender seafood sweetness, the cream and butter create a silky sauce, and the sun-dried tomatoes add bursts of concentrated flavor and color that brighten the dish.
- 1 pound shrimp (31-40 count, thawed & peeled, tails optional): Choose fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and taste.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps build the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon flour: Thickens the sauce for that perfect, velvety consistency.
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses an irresistible savory depth.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The luscious base that makes this dish creamily decadent.
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens and balances the richness with a subtle tang.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds classic Mediterranean flair.
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped or julienned: Provides chewy bursts of concentrated tomato flavor and gorgeous color.
- 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed: Adds freshness, color, and a nutritional boost.
- Handful fresh basil, thin strips: Elevates the dish with sweet, peppery herbaceous notes.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Shrimp
First things first, if your shrimp are frozen, quickly thaw them under cool running water in a colander. This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender. Peel off the shells if you haven’t already, and decide whether you want to leave the tails on for presentation—totally up to you!
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt your butter until it’s foamy and fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir it well, cooking for about a minute to form a light roux. This step is key—it thickens your sauce beautifully without clumping.
Step 3: Sizzle the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the butter and flour mixture and cook for about 30 seconds. The aroma that fills your kitchen will have you smiling immediately. Garlic is the soul of this sauce, giving it that perfect punch of flavor.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into your skillet, then add lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything together as the sauce gently simmers for 2 minutes—this allows all the flavors to mingle and the sauce to start thickening. Keep the heat moderate so it doesn’t bubble too vigorously.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Now it’s time to add the star protein. Nestle your shrimp into the sauce and let them cook for about 5 minutes. You want them perfectly opaque with just a hint of pink—any longer and they can get rubbery. As the shrimp cook, the sauce will thicken slightly, clinging to every bite.
Step 6: Add Greens and Fresh Herbs
To finish, gently stir in your fresh baby spinach and basil strips. Cook another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is warm and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to squeeze a little extra lemon juice over the top for a bright finishing touch, or sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan if you like it cheesy.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes add a fresh and inviting touch. Thin basil ribbons, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a final sprinkle of parmesan cheese can elevate your dish visually and flavor-wise. A twist of lemon wedge on the side gives guests control over an extra zingy brightness.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe shines alongside a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter pasta soak up the sauce wonderfully. For a lighter option, serve over steamed rice or alongside roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or simply change things up, try plating the shrimp on a bed of polenta or even as a luscious topping for toasted sourdough crostini. A rustic bowl with crusty bread on the side invites hearty, cozy dining that’s perfect any day of the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tuscan Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the cream sauce may thicken in the fridge, give it a gentle stir and add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to bring back that silky texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this shrimp dish as cream-based sauces can separate and lose their texture. If you must freeze, remove the shrimp from the sauce and freeze separately to preserve quality, but fresh is always best with this recipe!
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short intervals. Stir frequently and add a touch of cream or broth if the sauce looks too thick or dry. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely under cool running water and pat dry before cooking. This prevents excess water from thinning your sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use olive oil instead of butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes in larger amounts add great texture and flavor complexity. Just sauté them first before adding the cream.
How spicy is the Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe?
This recipe is mild and creamy by nature, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper in step 3 if you want a subtle kick.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, try cherry tomatoes sautéed until soft, or roasted red peppers for a different but still flavorful twist.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe, you’ll see why it’s a beloved favorite that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for company. The blend of tender shrimp, savory garlic cream, and fresh herbs makes every bite a delight. So grab your skillet, whip up this flavorful dish, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that feels like an instant classic.
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Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe
This creamy Tuscan shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and basil. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a decadent, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound shrimp (31–40 count size), thawed & peeled, tails optional
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Produce
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped or julienned
- 1–2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed)
- Handful fresh basil, cut into thin strips
Pantry
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: If your shrimp are frozen, place them in a colander and run under cool water until fully thawed. Peel and devein if not already done, leaving tails on or off according to preference.
- Melt Butter and Add Flour: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon flour over the butter and stir constantly, cooking for about one minute until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Cook Garlic: Add the minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 2 minutes, reducing heat if it bubbles too vigorously to prevent scorching.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the sauce thickens slightly. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender.
- Add Greens and Herbs: Incorporate 1-2 cups packed fresh baby spinach and a handful of thinly sliced fresh basil into the skillet. Cook together for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the flavors meld.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with an optional squeeze of additional lemon juice or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, to enhance flavor.
Notes
- You can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to fully thaw and drain them to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of spinach to your preference for a milder or more robust green flavor.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich and thick.
- Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, consider substituting butter and cream with plant-based alternatives, but note that this will alter the flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
