Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and indulgent dish that combines tender shrimp with a luscious creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Inspired by the flavors of Tuscany, this dish balances the creaminess of the sauce with the slight tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the earthiness of spinach, creating a luxurious yet comforting meal.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish feels elegant but is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a favorite for home cooks and seafood lovers alike.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s decadent without being overly complicated. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to each strand of pasta, and the shrimp remain juicy and tender.

The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic adds depth and sophistication, while fresh spinach gives a vibrant touch of color and nutrition. Every bite is bursting with layers of flavor — savory, tangy, and creamy all at once.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

• It’s rich and comforting while still featuring fresh, healthy ingredients.
• The combination of shrimp, cream, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes is irresistibly flavorful.
• Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~520 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: Italian / Fusion
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite pasta
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Shrimp and Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook shrimp until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer to thicken.
5. Stir in spinach until wilted, then add shrimp back to the pan.
6. Toss in cooked pasta and coat evenly with the creamy sauce.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
• Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

• In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
• Add Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Shrimp

• Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
• Return shrimp to the skillet and coat in the sauce.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in shallow bowls for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Optionally, drizzle with extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they cook quickly and can become rubbery.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creamy texture.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half or cream cheese instead of heavy cream.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Variations

• Chicken Version: Replace shrimp with diced chicken breast or thighs.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
• Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.
• Garlic Lovers: Add extra minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for shrimp pasta; cream sauces can separate upon thawing.
• Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium pot for pasta
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance, but cook shrimp and combine with pasta fresh for best results.

Q3: Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely — penne, linguine, or fettuccine all work well.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute coconut cream or cashew cream and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.

Q5: Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of white wine adds depth — add it after sautéing garlic and let it reduce before adding cream.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta is a luxurious yet approachable dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your dinner table. With tender shrimp, a rich creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, it’s a balanced combination of indulgence and nutrition. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests. It’s creamy, flavorful, and colorful — a dish that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it.