Go Back
Here’s what you need for a tasty Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Skillet: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy dish. Using large shrimp is key. They cook quickly and hold up well in the sauce. Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the shrimp perfectly. Garlic brings a wonderful aroma. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and acidity. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Heavy cream gives the sauce its luscious texture. Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. Italian seasoning ties everything together with herbs. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavors. Fresh basil adds a bright finish. You can adjust any of these ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy cooking this delightful dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, I add 1 pound of large shrimp. I season them well with salt and pepper. I cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They turn pink and opaque when they’re done. After that, I remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Next, I use the same skillet for the sauce. I add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté them until they smell great, which takes about 30 seconds. Then, I toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. I sauté these for about 2-3 minutes. The tomatoes should soften a bit. After that, I lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. I stir it well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Finally, I add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. I stir until it melts, making the sauce creamy. Now, I add 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves to the sauce. I stir until the spinach wilts. Then, I return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. I cook everything together for another 2 minutes to heat it through. I adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Now, the dish is ready to serve! To get a rich and creamy sauce, I recommend using heavy cream. It adds body and richness. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half. For the cheese, I suggest freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better than pre-grated cheese. To melt the cheese smoothly, add it slowly while stirring the sauce. This keeps it creamy and prevents clumping. Timing is key for perfectly cooked shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. This means they are done. Avoid overcooking by watching them closely. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. To boost the flavor, add herbs like fresh basil or parsley. These add a nice touch. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This gives the dish a bit of heat. Experiment with these options to find your perfect balance. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Make sure to not overcook the shrimp. They should be pink and opaque, which takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in your dish. Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth. Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of white wine before the cream for an extra layer of flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully. {{image_2}} You can switch out spinach for other greens. Kale or arugula work well in this dish. Both add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also use Swiss chard for a milder taste. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition. Consider bell peppers or zucchini. Just chop them small. Sauté them with garlic for about two minutes. This way, they get tender before adding the cream. If you don't want shrimp, try chicken. Simply cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Cook them until brown, just like the shrimp. You can also use tofu for a meatless option. Press and cube firm tofu, then sauté until golden. Both chicken and tofu absorb the creamy sauce well. This makes them great substitutes that still taste amazing. Creamy Tuscan shrimp goes great with pasta or rice. Toss the shrimp and sauce with fettuccine or penne for a filling meal. Serve it over rice for a lighter option. Crusty bread is another perfect side. It’s great for soaking up the creamy sauce. Slice a baguette or ciabatta, and enjoy! To store leftovers, let the Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Skillet cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This dish stays good in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on low heat in a skillet. Stir gently to keep it creamy. You can also use the microwave, but cover it to avoid splatters. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Can you freeze Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Skillet? Yes, but it’s not ideal. Freezing can change the shrimp's texture. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Use a freezer-safe container to store it. Label it with the date. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. To defrost, place it in the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat it on low heat. Add a splash of cream to keep it nice and smooth. Making Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Skillet is quick and easy. It takes about 10 minutes to prep. Cooking adds another 10 minutes. In total, you can have this dish ready in just 20 minutes. This makes it great for busy nights or last-minute dinners. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just remember to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Fresh shrimp is tasty, but frozen shrimp works too. Just check the package for any specific instructions. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are a few great options: - Cooked pasta for a filling meal. - Rice for a simple, comforting side. - Crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. - A fresh salad for a light touch. These sides will make your meal even more delightful! This blog covered a simple and tasty Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Skillet. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for perfect flavors. We also explored variations for different diets and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, the key to great results lies in timing and seasoning. Enjoy trying this recipe in your kitchen. It's a fun way to impress your family with a delicious dish. Cook with joy and make it your own!

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Skillet

A delicious and creamy shrimp dish with fresh spinach and tomatoes, perfect for a quick dinner.
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 leaves
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, 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 them aside.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
  • Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
  • Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, then return the shrimp to the skillet. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes to heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Serve with fresh basil for added flavor.
Keyword creamy, Italian, quick meal, shrimp, skillet