Description
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp is a quick and easy dinner recipe that features tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic-infused cream sauce with sautéed spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Bursting with savory flavors and healthy ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or low-carb alternatives. Impress guests with its gourmet appearance and luscious taste without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 lb fresh or thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1/4 tsp
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or fresh basil/oregano as alternatives)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast/vegan cheese for dairy-free)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if needed, then pat them dry thoroughly. Heat 1½ tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1½ tbsp butter if needed. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their tangy flavor.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Lower heat to medium and pour in heavy cream. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add Spinach and Shrimp: Mix fresh baby spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat shrimp with the creamy sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; they cook quickly.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Maintain medium heat to prevent the cream from scorching.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and flavor.
- Allow shrimp to rest briefly after cooking to keep them juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tuscan/Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg