Go Back
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh basil for garnish When I prepare Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp, I focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The large shrimp take center stage. I love using shrimp that are already peeled and deveined for ease. They cook quickly and absorb the flavors well. I heat olive oil in a skillet. It adds a lovely richness. I always use fresh garlic; its smell is fantastic. Minced garlic cooks fast, so watch it closely. Next, I add cherry tomatoes. They add a burst of sweetness and color. I cut them in halves to help them soften. Fresh spinach goes in after that. It wilts quickly and adds a nice green touch. The heavy cream is key for that creamy texture. It blends well with the other flavors. I mix in grated Parmesan cheese for a savory kick. Italian seasoning ties everything together. Finally, I season with salt and pepper. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice heat if you like. I finish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. Each ingredient plays a role, making this dish a tasty delight. To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will create a nice base for your shrimp. Season 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of olive oil. Next, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté them for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not burnt. After that, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, which takes about 2 minutes. Now, reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Next, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss them to coat in the creamy sauce. Allow everything to heat through for another 2 minutes. If you like some heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve your creamy Tuscan garlic shrimp right away, garnished with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. To get the best shrimp, avoid overcooking. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink. This takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery, ruining your meal. Check for doneness by looking for that bright pink color. The flesh should be opaque and firm. If you see gray areas, they need more time. Choose heavy cream with a high fat content for a rich sauce. This cream blends well and gives a smooth texture. To balance the flavor, add the Parmesan cheese slowly. Stir until it melts completely. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or more cream for a lighter touch. Adjust spice levels to fit your taste. If you like heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Start with ½ teaspoon and add more if needed. Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor. Try adding basil or parsley for a fresh twist. You can mix and match herbs to create your perfect dish. {{image_2}} You can change the main protein in this dish. If you want to use chicken, take boneless pieces. Cook them until they are golden brown. Add the same sauce and enjoy a different flavor. Scallops are also great. They cook quickly and absorb the sauce well. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms. They add a nice texture. Sauté them until they are golden before adding the sauce. Portobello or cremini mushrooms work perfectly. They soak up flavors and make the dish hearty. Want a dairy-free version? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a hint of sweetness while keeping the dish rich. You can also try almond milk. Just ensure you add a thickener like cornstarch to get a creamy texture. Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill. They brighten the dish and add fresh notes. You can also mix in spices like smoked paprika or lemon zest. These will enhance your dish and add unique flavors. This creamy tuscan garlic shrimp pairs well with pasta. Try fettuccine or linguine for a classic combo. You can also serve it over rice, which soaks up the sauce nicely. If you want to serve it as an appetizer, use smaller shrimp. Present them in small bowls with toothpicks. They make for a delightful starter. This dish can also shine as a main dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. To keep your Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. Try to eat it within 2-3 days for the best taste. If you add fresh basil, remove it before storing. This way, your shrimp stays fresh and tasty. When reheating, you want to keep the flavor and creaminess. The best method is to use a skillet. Heat the skillet on low, add a splash of cream, and then the shrimp. Stir gently until warmed through. This way, the sauce stays creamy and delicious. Avoid using a microwave, since it can make the shrimp rubbery. Can it be frozen? Yes, but it’s best to freeze it right after cooking. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet for the best results. Yes, you can prepare Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp ahead of time. To do this, cook the shrimp and sauce separately. Store the shrimp in one container and the sauce in another. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat them together in a skillet. This keeps the shrimp juicy and the sauce creamy. Tips for meal prep: - Cook shrimp just until pink, then cool them. - Make the sauce and let it cool before storing. - Store in airtight containers for freshness. - Reheat on low heat to avoid overcooking. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, there are great options. You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Grana Padano is also a good substitute with a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast works well too, especially for a dairy-free option. Alternative cheese options: - Pecorino Romano - Grana Padano - Nutritional yeast (dairy-free) To add more heat, you can include red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. These options give your dish a nice kick. Suggestions for heat adjustments: - Add red pepper flakes to the sauce. - Use diced jalapeños for a fresh heat. - Include a few drops of hot sauce when serving. This blog post covered how to make creamy Tuscan garlic shrimp. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for cooking. You learned about variations, storage, and reheating guidelines. Remember, perfect shrimp come from not overcooking them. You can also try different proteins or sauces to add your twist. Enjoy making this dish, and don't forget to experiment with flavors. Cooking should be fun and tasty!

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp

Indulge in this rich and flavorful creamy Tuscan garlic shrimp recipe that’s perfect for any dinner occasion. Whip up succulent shrimp simmered in a luscious cream sauce with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is sure to impress! Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your culinary skills today with this delightful seafood dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish

Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

    In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

      Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

        Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

          Reduce heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.

            Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat in the creamy sauce, and allow everything to heat through for another 2 minutes. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a kick.

              Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

                Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4