|

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

ByLucy
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 13 reviews

Oh, you’re going to LOVE this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for company but comes together so quickly, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. What really makes it special is the silky, luscious sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs—the kind of comforting, rich flavor combo that keeps me coming back for more.

Every time I make this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe, I’m reminded why shrimp is one of my favorite proteins to cook with—it cooks fast and soaks up all those flavors beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a quick date night dinner or just craving a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive, this recipe hits all the right notes.

💚

Why This Recipe Works

  • Quick and Easy: Takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, so it’s great for busy days.
  • Balanced Flavors: Creaminess meets tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs for a delicious harmony.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples along with fresh ingredients for a gourmet feel.
  • Perfect Texture: Tender shrimp with a thick, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
The image shows a pan filled with a creamy shrimp dish, featuring about three layers of ingredients mixed together. The main layer consists of plump pink shrimp spread evenly throughout a thick, off-white creamy sauce. Interspersed within the sauce are bright green spinach leaves and thin strips of reddish sun-dried tomatoes, adding contrast in color and texture. On the side of the pan, a wedge of yellow lemon rests partially submerged in the sauce. The pan itself is set against a white marbled texture background with a light gray handle visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe lies in how the ingredients complement each other. You’ve got the sweetness and mildness of shrimp, the richness of cream, and the bright punch from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs—it’s a combo that’s both indulgent and fresh. When shopping, try to get good-quality shrimp and fresh basil, since those really make a difference.

  • Shrimp: I like to use medium-large shrimp (31-40 count) because they’re quick to cook and stay juicy.
  • Butter: Adds a beautiful richness and helps build the sauce base.
  • Flour: Just a touch to thicken the sauce slightly without making it heavy.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the perfect aromatic punch.
  • Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce so irresistibly creamy and luxurious.
  • Lemon Juice: A splash brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings an herby depth with minimal effort.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their tangy sweetness and chewy texture add amazing flavor contrast.
  • Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds vibrant color and a mild, fresh bite that blends nicely into the sauce.
  • Fresh Basil: Fresh basil strips uplift the whole dish with their sweet, peppery notes.
  • Salt & Pepper: To taste — essential for bringing all the flavors together.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe is one I love to tailor depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. You can play around with different kinds of greens or herbs, and it’s easy to make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding a few extras.

  • Swap the greens: Sometimes I substitute arugula or kale instead of spinach for a peppery or heartier bite—works beautifully!
  • Add heat: If you like a little kick, I sprinkle red pepper flakes right in the sauce for a subtle but pleasant warmth.
  • Use coconut cream: For a dairy-free twist, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream; just expect a slightly different flavor, still delicious.
  • Extra umami: When I want to level up the flavor, I toss in a handful of grated Parmesan at the end for that cheesy finish everyone loves.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Start with the Sauce Base

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir this around for about a minute so the flour cooks off but doesn’t brown. This little step creates the perfect base to thicken your sauce just right without lumps. When the mixture looks smooth and bubbly, you know you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Garlic and Cream Magic

Add your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—you’ll smell it the moment it’s ready. Then pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let this simmer gently for 2 minutes to marry the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over or scorch.

Step 3: Shrimp Goes In

Drop in your thawed, peeled shrimp and cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to see them turn pink and curl up nicely without overcooking, which can make them rubbery. The sauce will thicken a bit during this time—if it’s getting too thick, you can loosen it with a splash of water or broth.

Step 4: Add the Greens and Finish

Finally, stir in your baby spinach and fresh basil strips, cooking just another 2 minutes until the greens wilt and everything’s cozy together. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. I love to squeeze a little extra lemon juice on top for a fresh pop before serving, and sometimes I grate Parmesan over it for that extra indulgent touch.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook in just minutes—once pink and curled, remove from heat to keep them tender.
  • Drain Your Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If they’re packed in oil, drain well to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy.
  • Use Fresh Herbs at the End: Stirring in basil at the last minute keeps its flavor bright and fresh.
  • Watch Sauce Thickness: If too thick, add a little water or broth to loosen — it should coat your shrimp nicely.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a creamy shrimp dish on top of mashed potatoes. The bottom layer is smooth, white mashed potatoes. On top, there are plump, cooked shrimp with a light orange-pink color and specks of black pepper. Mixed in with the shrimp are bright green spinach leaves and strips of reddish sun-dried tomatoes. The entire dish is lightly covered by a thick, pale cream sauce that gives a shiny texture. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish off with a quick sprinkle of fresh basil and a wedge of lemon on the side. Sometimes I grate a bit of Parmesan right on top because why not? The lemon juice wakes up the dish, and fresh basil adds an irresistible pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for dipping. I’ve also enjoyed it over a bed of asparagus risotto or alongside steamed green beans for something a bit lighter but still elegant. Rice or creamy polenta are perfect too—the sauce soaks in nicely!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this creamy Tuscan shrimp over fettuccine tossed in olive oil and garlic, topped with toasted pine nuts and edible flowers. It makes a beautiful centerpiece and feels restaurant-worthy without too much fuss. You can also plate it in individual shallow bowls for a cozy, intimate vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually enjoy them within two days. The sauce holds up well, and the flavors intensify overnight, making next-day lunches extra tasty.

Freezing

Freezing Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is a bit tricky because the cream sauce can sometimes separate. I recommend freezing only if necessary, and then thawing gently in the fridge. Reheat slowly to help bring it back together as much as possible.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm the shrimp gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often, sometimes adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too if you keep it short and stir to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe?

    Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your sauce. Using thawed shrimp ensures an even cook and keeps your sauce nice and creamy.

  2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

    If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or even whole milk can work, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick or rich. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream is a good swap, adding a slight coconut flavor that pairs nicely with the herbs.

  3. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

    Keep your heat at medium or just below simmer when adding cream and cooking the sauce. High heat can cause cream to separate. Stir frequently and avoid boiling the sauce vigorously.

  4. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

    You can make the sauce in advance, but I recommend adding the shrimp and fresh herbs just before serving to keep things fresh and shrimp perfectly cooked.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe brings together so many things I love about cooking: quick prep, bold flavors, and that sense of treating yourself without a lot of fuss. Each time I make it, it’s like sharing a little Italian sunshine on a plate with friends or family. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—you’ll find it becomes a go-to for those nights you want something delicious but easy. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is a delicious and rich dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach and basil. This quick and easy recipe delivers comforting flavors perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and thawed (31-40 count size)
  • 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 (packed in oil, drained)
  • 1–2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed)
  • Handful fresh basil, cut into thin strips
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter and Add Flour: Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly until smooth to create a roux that will thicken the sauce.
  2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Incorporate Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes, reducing heat if it bubbles too vigorously.
  4. Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until fully cooked and the sauce has slightly thickened. Avoid overcooking shrimp to maintain tenderness.
  5. Add Greens and Herbs: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and basil, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately. Optionally, squeeze extra lemon juice on top or grate fresh parmesan cheese over the dish if desired.

Notes

  • Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor; drain excess oil before using.
  • Adjust the amount of sun-dried tomatoes according to taste preference.
  • Be careful not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Fresh spinach can be measured loosely packed to 2 cups.
  • Optional garnishes such as extra lemon juice or parmesan cheese enhance flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star