Name: Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on); 1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp paprika; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1½ tsp cornstarch); 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1½ tsp cornstarch); 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1½ tsp cornstarch); 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1½ tsp cornstarch); ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cups baby spinach (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; Pasta; Mashed potatoes; Rice

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Oh wow, this Tuscan shrimp recipe? It’s like a little vacation to Italy in every bite. Creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor—this one’s a keeper!

I’ve made this dish so many times, and let me tell you, it never lasts long. The shrimp are juicy, the sauce is rich, and the sun-dried tomatoes? Absolute magic. Plus, it all comes together in under 30 minutes!

Imagine twirling a fork through a creamy, garlicky sauce, with plump shrimp and just the right touch of Parmesan. It’s fancy enough for date night but easy enough for a weeknight. And trust me, dipping bread into that sauce? Game-changer.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your pan, and let’s whip up this Tuscan shrimp—it’s going to be your new favorite dinner. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The sauce is smooth, velvety, and packed with deep, savory flavors.
Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
Perfectly Seasoned Shrimp: The spice blend enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
One-Pan Recipe: Everything is made in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Versatile Serving Options: Pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish.

Difficulty Level:
Easy—perfect for home cooks of any skill level.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this dish effortlessly, gather the following kitchen tools:

Large Skillet – A heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) works best for searing shrimp.
Sharp Knife – For chopping shallots, garlic, and tomatoes.
Cutting Board – Essential for prep work.
Tongs or Spatula – To flip the shrimp and stir the sauce.
Measuring Spoons & Cups – For accurate ingredient measurements.
Whisk – To mix the sauce smoothly.

Ingredients for Tuscan Shrimp

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish. The exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

For the Shrimp:

Large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
Oil from sun-dried tomatoes
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Olive oil
Butter

For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:

Oil from sun-dried tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes (drained and roughly chopped)
Shallot
Garlic
Red pepper flakes
Low sodium chicken broth
Cornstarch
Heavy cream (or evaporated milk + cornstarch)
Dried parsley
Dried basil (or fresh basil)
Dried oregano
Fresh Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
Baby spinach (optional)
Salt and pepper

For Serving (Pick One):

Pasta
Mashed potatoes
Rice

How to Make Tuscan Shrimp – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Before cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them develop a nice sear and prevents excess moisture from diluting the flavors.

In a medium bowl, add the shrimp.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes over the shrimp.
Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Toss the shrimp until evenly coated in the seasoning mix.

Tip: Let the shrimp sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb. If time permits, you can marinate them for up to 30 minutes in the fridge.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Searing the shrimp properly ensures they stay juicy while developing a golden, flavorful crust.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the shrimp in a single layer.
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and pink with a slight golden sear.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep them warm.

Tip: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. They continue to cook slightly from residual heat after being removed from the pan.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

This step is key to building the rich, deep flavors of the creamy Tuscan sauce.

Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of oil from sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet.
Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where a lot of the flavor is!

How to Serve Tuscan Shrimp

This creamy, garlicky shrimp dish pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are some ideas:

Best Serving Options:

Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti for a restaurant-style meal.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the rich sauce for an ultra-comforting dish.
Rice: Serve over white or brown rice for a simple yet satisfying option.
Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of the luscious sauce.

Tip: Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tuscan Shrimp

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated properly.

Storage:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.

Reheating Instructions:

Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

Tip: Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become tough when reheated.

Variations for Tuscan Shrimp

Want to customize this dish? Try these simple variations:

Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Use a Different Protein: Swap shrimp for chicken, salmon, or scallops.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Low-Carb Version: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality shrimp will have the best texture and flavor.
Pat Shrimp Dry Before Cooking: This helps them get a good sear.
Grate Parmesan Fresh: Pre-packaged Parmesan won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and can turn rubbery if overdone.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (without pasta/rice)
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	13g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	680mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands.

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

Recipe by Elena SmythCourse: Uncategorized

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

420

kcal

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
For the Tuscan Sauce:
1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1½ tsp cornstarch)
1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1½ tsp cornstarch)
1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1½ tsp cornstarch)
1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1½ tsp cornstarch)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups baby spinach (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving (Pick One):
Pasta
Mashed potatoes
Rice

Directions

Prepare the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss shrimp with oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Let marinate for 5-10 minutes.
Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and cover.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, heat oil and sauté shallots and garlic for 1-2 minutes.
Add cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping the pan to deglaze.
Stir in cornstarch slurry, then add cream and seasonings. Simmer until thickened.
Add the Parmesan and Spinach
Stir in Parmesan until melted.
Add baby spinach and let wilt.
Combine Everything
Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
Adjust seasoning to taste and serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Tuscan Shrimp FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

How Can I Make This Dish Lighter?

Use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, and swap butter for extra olive oil.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh. Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is a simple yet elegant dish that’s packed with bold flavors. Whether you serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 30 minutes. With a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, tender shrimp, and sun-dried tomatoes, this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again.