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Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

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4.4 from 30 reviews

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian