Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup (50g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear when cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). You want the shrimp to be well-seasoned so they stand out in the creamy sauce.
Sear the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until they’re opaque and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. They should be golden brown on both sides but not overcooked.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Cook the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the butter and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Then, add the spinach and cook until it wilts down, about 2 minutes. Stir to combine everything, ensuring the spinach is evenly wilted and the tomatoes soften.
Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if necessary.
3. Combine the Shrimp and Sauce:
Return the Shrimp to the Skillet: Once the sauce has thickened and is creamy, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss the shrimp in the sauce, making sure they’re coated well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just to warm the shrimp through and ensure the flavors have melded together.
Add Lemon Juice (Optional): For a bit of brightness to cut through the richness of the cream, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and give everything a final stir.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the Dish: Serve the creamy Tuscan shrimp hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and basil, if desired. You can serve it over a bed of pasta, rice, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Over Pasta: Creamy Tuscan shrimp is delicious served over pasta. Try it with linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti for a classic pairing. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, creating a decadent and satisfying dish.
- With Rice: If you prefer rice, serve the shrimp and sauce over white rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The rice soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- With Vegetables: For a light and healthy meal, serve the shrimp with roasted or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- With Crusty Bread: A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Tuscan Shrimp:
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn opaque and have a nice sear.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce. Using fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese will elevate the dish as well.
- Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can thin it out by adding a little more chicken broth or even a splash of milk. If you want it thicker, let it simmer a little longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
- Flavor Variations: You can add other ingredients to customize the dish to your liking. Try adding mushrooms, artichokes, or olives for an extra burst of flavor. If you like a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño.
- Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. Keep in mind, this will change the richness of the sauce, but it will still be delicious.
Storage and Reheating:
Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but the flavors continue to develop as it sits.
Reheating: To reheat, place the leftovers in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen up the sauce, and stir frequently to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. You can also microwave the leftovers for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Final Thoughts:
This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is a luxurious and comforting dish that’s full of flavor and texture. The combination of tender shrimp, rich cream, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach makes each bite irresistible. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or just enjoy it on its own, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. The creamy sauce with Parmesan and a hint of garlic is absolutely delicious, and the dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. Enjoy!