This creamy garlic butter Tuscan shrimp is a deliciously rich dish you’ll love! Juicy shrimp swim in a silky sauce made with garlic, butter, and sun-dried tomatoes, giving it a burst of flavor.
Perfect over pasta or rice, this meal is quick to make, so you can enjoy your evening without stress. Trust me, your taste buds will do a happy dance! 💃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: I recommend using large shrimp for the best texture. If you’re looking for a budget option, you can substitute with scallops or even chicken if desired. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a great flavor kick! If you don’t have them, feel free to use fresh tomatoes or roasted bell peppers instead. Just chop them up nice and small.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or coconut milk, but know that it will change the richness a bit. I personally like the creaminess that heavy cream brings!
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is the best choice for this dish, but you could swap it with kale or even frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to thaw and drain the frozen spinach well!
Parmesan Cheese: While grated Parmesan gives great flavor, you can use Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both will work nicely!
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they cook so quickly! Here are my tips to get them just right:
- Start with a hot skillet — it helps sear the shrimp nicely.
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning before cooking. This adds flavor right from the start.
- Cook them for only about 2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Remove them from the skillet while preparing the sauce. They’ll continue to cook a little while sitting.
Following these steps will ensure your shrimp are tender and delicious every time!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread or cooked pasta, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and then 15-20 minutes for cooking, making it a total of about 30 minutes to get this delightful dish on the table! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Shrimp:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook each side for about 2 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing them together until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent—about 2-3 minutes. This step adds tons of flavor!
3. Adding Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and warm through.
4. Making the Sauce:
Now, add the chicken broth to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape any tasty browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Creamy Bliss:
Lower the heat to medium-low, and pour in the heavy cream along with the Parmesan cheese, the rest of the Italian seasoning, and the crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat!). Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly—it’s going to smell amazing!
6. Adding the Spinach:
Throw in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes. The spinach adds a lovely color and nutrition.
7. Bringing it All Together:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and delicately toss everything together to coat the shrimp in that luscious sauce. Let it cook for another minute just to heat everything through.
8. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with any additional salt and pepper if you feel it needs it.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve this creamy garlic butter Tuscan shrimp immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up that wonderful sauce. Enjoy every bite!
With these easy steps, you’re all set to impress with this vibrant and rich dish! 🍤💖
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk as a substitute. Keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and richness slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This dish is fantastic served over pasta or rice to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to enjoy the flavors even more!