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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Optionally serve with cooked pasta or crusty bread The stars of this dish are the shrimp and the creamy sauce. Large shrimp offer a nice bite and flavor. The heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a salty note and helps thicken the sauce. The garlic brings a warm aroma that enhances the dish. Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes add color and freshness to your plate. If you don’t have shrimp, chicken or tofu works well. Use any cream you have, like half-and-half, for a lighter sauce. Instead of cherry tomatoes, diced regular tomatoes can be used. If you can't find fresh spinach, frozen spinach will do. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream and a vegan cheese substitute. {{ingredient_image_1}} To get ready for creamy Tuscan shrimp, gather all your ingredients first. This dish takes about 25 minutes to make. You will need shrimp, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, cream, and Parmesan cheese. A large skillet works best for cooking. 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season them with salt and pepper. 3. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once done, set them aside. 4. In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells great. 5. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften. 6. Now, stir in 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach. Cook it until it wilts, which takes about 2 minutes. 7. Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring it well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. 8. Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. 9. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss them in the sauce and heat for an extra 1-2 minutes. 10. Remove from heat. Serve the creamy Tuscan shrimp over pasta or with crusty bread. - Make sure your shrimp are fresh and not frozen. This helps with cooking time. - Keep an eye on the garlic. It can burn quickly, leading to a bitter taste. - Stir often to prevent the sauce from sticking to the skillet. - Use a timer to keep track of cooking times. This helps ensure everything cooks evenly. When you cook shrimp, timing is key. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery. Here are my best tips: - Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp taste better. Check for a sweet smell. - Don’t crowd the pan: If the shrimp are too close, they steam instead of sear. - Cook quickly: Heat the pan first. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes each side. Look for a pink color. A creamy sauce makes this dish shine. Here’s how to get it just right: - Start with garlic: Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. This adds deep flavor. - Choose the right cream: Heavy cream creates a rich sauce. Don’t substitute with low-fat options. - Add cheese slowly: Stir in Parmesan gradually. This helps it melt smoothly and thickens the sauce. - Season well: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. The right balance makes a huge difference. Serving this dish can be fun and creative. Here are some ideas: - Pasta pairing: Serve the shrimp over cooked pasta. It absorbs the sauce well. - With bread: Crusty bread is perfect for dipping. It soaks up that creamy goodness. - Garnish smartly: Fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan make your plate look special. A sprinkle of herbs adds color and flavor. These tips will help you create a delicious meal that impresses everyone. Enjoy cooking! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Best: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or a splash of white wine to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become rubbery. They are done when they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes just a couple of minutes. Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness before serving. {{image_2}} You can add more veggies to your creamy Tuscan shrimp. Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus work well. Just chop them up and add them with the cherry tomatoes. They will cook down nicely in the sauce. If you want to use other proteins, try chicken or scallops. Cook them in the same way as shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time. Chicken needs longer, while scallops cook faster. To add spice, toss in red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also use spicy sausage for a kick. Brown it in the skillet before adding shrimp. For extra creaminess, add more heavy cream or cheese. You can even stir in cream cheese. This will make the sauce thicker and richer. To make this dish low-carb, skip the pasta. Serve it with zucchini noodles instead. They soak up the sauce well and keep it light. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Just check the package to ensure it fits your needs. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. Store leftover creamy Tuscan shrimp in an airtight container. Make sure it cools first before sealing. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have pasta or bread, store them separately to keep them fresh. When you want to reheat, use the stove for best results. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and a splash of cream to keep it moist. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but stir every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. Creamy Tuscan shrimp lasts about three days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to three months. Just remember to thaw in the fridge overnight when you're ready to enjoy it again. I recommend using large shrimp for this dish. They hold up well in the sauce. Look for shrimp that are fresh or frozen, peeled, and deveined. Wild-caught shrimp often have a richer flavor compared to farmed shrimp. If you prefer a milder taste, go for farmed shrimp. Just make sure they are not overcooked. Cook them until they are pink and opaque. Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead. Cook the shrimp and sauce, then store them separately. Keep the sauce in the fridge and reheat before adding the shrimp. The dish tastes best when fresh, but it stays good for a day in the fridge. Just don’t cook the shrimp too long when reheating. Overcooking can make them tough. To lighten this dish, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based milk. You can also use low-fat cheese instead of Parmesan. Adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers can boost nutrition. Serve it over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option. This way, you keep the flavor but reduce calories. In this post, we explored the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for making Creamy Tuscan Shrimp. I highlighted key ingredients and their substitutes, ensuring you have options. Following my detailed steps will help you create a great dish. Remember the variations to customize your meal. Store leftovers properly for the best taste later. You now have the tools to enjoy this delicious recipe. Dive in and make it your own with unique touches. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Delight

A rich and creamy shrimp dish with fresh spinach and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves
  • optional cooked pasta or crusty bread

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat the shrimp through.
  • Remove from heat, and if desired, serve over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.

Notes

Plate the creamy Tuscan shrimp on a bed of pasta or alongside crusty bread. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an inviting look!
Keyword creamy, pasta, quick meal, shrimp, Tuscan