Creamy Shrimp Delight:

Indulge in a quick and flavorful dish with creamy Tuscan shrimp, featuring succulent shrimp in a luscious, sun-dried tomato sauce infused with garlic, spinach, and parmesan. This one-pan recipe is perfect for a hearty dinner or an impressive meal to serve guests, ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s explore the ingredients, tips, and serving suggestions to make this dish shine.

Ingredients Breakdown and Substitutes

Shrimp:
Start with fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Deveining and peeling are simple steps: remove the shell from the underside and use a small knife to pull out the vein. If you prefer a shortcut, frozen raw shrimp works too but may require an extra few minutes of cooking. Leaving the tails on or off is a matter of presentation and preference, but tails are removed in this recipe for ease.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Sun-dried tomatoes bring bold, tangy sweetness. Use oil-packed varieties for convenience—just drain and chop. If using dry-packed, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes, then pat dry and chop finely for a similar effect.

Creamy Base:
The rich, velvety sauce owes its texture to heavy cream. If you want a lighter version, opt for half-and-half, but note that the sauce won’t be as thick or luxurious.

Cherry Tomatoes:
These tiny bursts of sweetness balance the tanginess of the sun-dried tomatoes. Halve them for even cooking and a bright, colorful presentation.

Fresh Spinach:
Fresh baby spinach works best in this recipe, adding a pop of green and nutrition. Frozen spinach is an excellent alternative—use about 10 ounces, thawed, and press out any excess moisture to prevent a watery sauce.

Preparation Tips for Success

1. Shrimp Selection:
   • Fresh shrimp yield the best results, but frozen raw shrimp is a time-saving alternative. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
2. Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
   • If using dry-packed, soaking is a crucial step to soften them. Oil-packed varieties may add extra richness but drain them to control the oil level in the dish.
3. Sauce Consistency:
   • Achieving a creamy sauce depends on using heavy cream and a touch of parmesan. Stirring in the cheese slowly ensures it melts evenly.
4. Customization Options:
   • Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
   • Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a unique flavor twist.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Pair this rich and savory dish with sides that complement its bold flavors. Here are a few ideas:

• Pasta: Serve over linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti for a restaurant-quality meal.
• Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Rustic Breads: Garlic knots, crusty baguettes, or focaccia are ideal for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini make excellent accompaniments.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe:

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp has sauteed shrimp nestled into a creamy, sun-dried tomato-based sauce with fresh spinach. It’s a delicious dish that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tails removed
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Tuscan Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small shallot, diced (about ¼ cup)
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, softened, chopped
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for garnish)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   Season shrimp with salt and pepper evenly.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Make the Sauce Base:
   Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in diced shallots and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until shallots are tender (2-4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
   Sprinkle flour into the skillet, stirring well to combine. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring. Add parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes.
5. Simmer the Sauce:
   Lower the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
6. Add Spinach:
   Stir in spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
7. Combine and Serve:
   Return the shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4
Calories per Serving: Approximately 447

Enjoy this creamy, Tuscan-inspired shrimp dish with your favorite sides and savor the rich flavors!