Name: Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp (31-40 count size), thawed & peeled; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon flour; 4-5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped or julienned; 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed; Handful fresh basil, cut into thin strips; Salt & pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one dish that turns a busy weeknight into a celebration, it’s Creamy Tuscan Shrimp. This gorgeous skillet meal is loaded with tender shrimp swimming in a luscious garlic cream sauce, bright pops of sun-dried tomato, and a handful of vibrant greens. It’s fast enough for those last-minute dinner cravings yet decadent enough for company. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp, you’ll keep coming back to its perfect blend of rich, tangy, and herby flavors.

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Creamy Tuscan Shrimp so irresistible is that every ingredient plays its part—nothing extra, nothing fussy. Each component adds depth, color, or unmistakable Italian flair, so grab your favorites and let’s make some magic!

Shrimp: Go for 31-40 count size—tender and juicy, they cook up beautifully and soak up all the creamy goodness.
Butter: Gives the base a lush, buttery flavor and helps create a silky sauce.
Flour: Just a touch thickens that dreamy sauce, making it cling to every bite.
Garlic: Four to five cloves—don’t be shy! The aroma is simply tantalizing and essential to Tuscan dishes.
Heavy/Whipping Cream: This is where the magic happens—ultra-rich and velvety, it forms the backbone of the sauce.
Lemon Juice: A little splash brightens the whole dish and wakes up the flavors.
Italian Seasoning: Just enough to infuse those rustic, comforting notes you expect in an Italian classic.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sweet, tangy, and full of umami, these add color and intrigue to every forkful.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Toss in by the handful—the delicate leaves wilt perfectly into the sauce without overpowering.
Fresh Basil: Cut into ribbons, basil brings a pop of green and unmistakable freshness.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for balance—taste and adjust so everything shines.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start with a large skillet over medium-high heat, melting the butter until it’s perfectly frothy. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring the whole time, for about a minute. You’re looking for a smooth mix with a hint of golden color. This quick roux sets the stage for a thick, creamy sauce later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Once the butter and flour have mingled, toss in your minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until it smells rich and fragrant. Careful not to let it burn—garlic can go from fabulous to bitter in seconds!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Sauce

Now comes the showstopper: stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and those jewel-like sun-dried tomatoes. Let this mixture simmer gently for two minutes, infusing all those flavors into the cream. If you see vigorous bubbling, just turn the heat down a tad and let it work its magic without scorching.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the bubbling cream sauce and nestle them in so each piece is well-coated. Cook for around 5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the shrimp are opaque and just firm—be careful not to overcook, or they might turn rubbery. As the sauce thickens and the shrimp are done, you’ll see everything come together beautifully.

Step 5: Finish With Greens and Freshness

Time for the grand finale: Add the fresh baby spinach and basil ribbons, stirring gently for another two minutes until the leaves wilt right into the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can even squeeze a bit more lemon juice over the top or grate some parmesan if you’re feeling extra fancy. Serve hot and enjoy every swirl of this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp masterpiece!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Garnishes

Topping off your Creamy Tuscan Shrimp with something fresh makes all the difference. Try extra basil ribbons, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dusting of finely grated parmesan. These small touches wake up the flavors and make the dish look as stunning as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This shrimp dish begs for something to soak up that amazing sauce. Think fluffy white rice, buttered noodles, or even a crispy baguette. If you want to keep it lighter, a simple salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette or lemon-olive oil dressing makes the ideal partner.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a restaurant vibe to your table by spooning Creamy Tuscan Shrimp over creamy polenta, turning it into a special pasta night, or serving it as an upscale appetizer on crispy crostini. For brunch, it’s lovely atop a bed of wilted greens or tucked into a flaky croissant. Let your imagination run wild—this dish is versatile enough for any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Creamy Tuscan Shrimp, lucky you! Cool the leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors get even richer as they mingle, making leftovers a real treat.

Freezing

While you can freeze Creamy Tuscan Shrimp, keep in mind the cream sauce may separate a little when thawed. If you do choose to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and use within a month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm Creamy Tuscan Shrimp in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick, and heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Creamy Tuscan Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure your shrimp are fully thawed before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and ensures your sauce doesn’t get watery.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, try using roasted red peppers for a similar tangy sweetness and beautiful color.

Is there a lighter option for the cream?

You can swap in half-and-half or even evaporated milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. The flavor will still be delicious and the dish a little lighter.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Keep an eye on them! Shrimp are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque—usually in about 5 minutes or less. Remove them from the heat right away to keep them tender.

Can I add other veggies to Creamy Tuscan Shrimp?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of peas are all great choices if you want to mix things up and sneak in extra veggies.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bring a touch of rustic Italian comfort into your kitchen with this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp. Nothing beats the combination of succulent shrimp and that garlicky, herb-infused cream sauce—especially when it’s so simple and quick. Give it a try and let your tastebuds take a little vacation to Tuscany tonight!

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 11 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in a flavorful and creamy dish with this recipe for Creamy Tuscan Shrimp. Juicy shrimp cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, this dish is a true delight for seafood lovers.

Instructions

Melt the butter: Over medium-high heat in a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring until smooth.
Add garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Prepare the sauce: Stir in the cream, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 2 minutes, adjusting heat if needed.
Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes or until cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish the dish: Add the spinach and basil, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, optionally with extra lemon juice or grated parmesan.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian