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