Tangy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe: A Seafood Lover’s Dream Dish

Seafood enthusiasts crave this delectable easy creamy Tuscan shrimp recipe that brings the warmth of Italian coastal cuisine straight to your kitchen.

Succulent shrimp swim in a rich, velvety sauce packed with garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Tender and flavorful, each bite transports you to the rolling hills of Tuscany.

The creamy sauce coats perfectly cooked shrimp with an irresistible blend of textures and tastes.

Fresh spinach adds a vibrant green touch that complements the luxurious sauce.

Parmesan cheese melts seamlessly, creating a dish that feels both elegant and comforting.

Serve this restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes and watch as everyone at the table falls in love with every single spoonful.

Why Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Feels So Luxurious

• This recipe offers an incredibly simple cooking process that even beginner cooks can master without stress, requiring minimal technical skills and basic kitchen knowledge.
• The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and fresh herbs creates a restaurant-quality meal that bursts with rich, Mediterranean-inspired taste sensations right in your own kitchen.
• Perfect for busy families and professionals, this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, providing a gourmet meal without extensive preparation or complicated techniques.
• Adaptable recipe allows quick substitutions like different proteins or vegetables, making it versatile for various dietary preferences and pantry ingredients without compromising the delicious core flavor profile.

Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood protein that forms the star of this creamy Tuscan dish.
• Butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and helps develop flavor.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and provides a smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers a luxurious and velvety consistency to the sauce.

• Garlic: Adds a bold and fragrant flavor base to the entire dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a traditional Mediterranean herb blend for depth.
• Basil, Spinach: Fresh green herbs that add brightness and nutritional value.

• Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy brightness to balance the creamy sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Contributes a concentrated sweet and slightly tart flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

How to Cook Shrimp in a Creamy Tuscan Sauce

Step 1: Create Silky Sauce Base

Grab a skillet and melt butter over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for about 60 seconds.

This magical mixture will become the foundation of your luxurious sauce.

Keep stirring to prevent any burning.

Step 2: Infuse Aromatic Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.

Watch carefully to ensure the garlic doesn’t turn bitter or burn.

Step 3: Build Luscious Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Fresh lemon juice
• Italian seasoning
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble softly for two minutes.

Adjust heat if it becomes too aggressive.

Step 4: Cook Succulent Seafood

Slide shrimp into the simmering sauce.

Cook while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.

The shrimp are ready when they transform to a beautiful pink color and look completely opaque.

Be cautious not to overcook, or they’ll become tough.

Step 5: Add Fresh Greenery

Fold in fresh spinach and basil.

Allow them to wilt for 1-2 minutes, maintaining a vibrant green appearance.

Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Your magnificent Tuscan shrimp is now ready to devour!

Cooking Tips for Tuscan-Style Shrimp

• Slowly add cream to the roux while stirring continuously to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without curdling.
• Remove shrimp from heat immediately after turning pink to avoid tough, rubbery texture – they continue cooking from residual heat.
• Toast Italian seasoning briefly in butter before adding other ingredients to enhance its aromatic qualities and release more robust flavors.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add color and a subtle kick of heat just before serving.

Saving and Rewarming Tuscan Shrimp

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 1-2 days maximum to maintain food safety and quality.
• Gently warm shrimp in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of cream or water to prevent drying out. Stir frequently and heat until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Transfer completely cooled shrimp to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

What Goes Well with Creamy Shrimp

• Savor Seafood Wine Pairing: Crisp Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the creamy, tangy shrimp dish with its light, refreshing citrus notes that cut through the richness.
• Mediterranean Herb Companion: Fresh rosemary or thyme focaccia bread provides a rustic, aromatic side that echoes the Italian seasoning in the recipe and helps soak up the delicious sauce.
• Zesty Salad Accent: Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy shrimp, adding a peppery brightness that highlights the dish's Mediterranean flavors.
• Coastal Cocktail Match: Prepare a classic limoncello spritz as a bright, citrusy drink that mirrors the lemon in the recipe and cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, creamy shrimp.

Flavorful Variations for Tuscan Shrimp

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace pasta with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the rich, creamy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk to create a lactose-free version that keeps the sauce smooth and indulgent for those with dairy sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with pan-seared firm tofu or white beans to transform the dish into a plant-based meal while preserving the classic Tuscan seasoning and creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour for the roux, ensuring those with gluten restrictions can enjoy this flavorful Mediterranean-inspired recipe without compromising taste or consistency.

FAQs

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium or large raw shrimp work perfectly. Peeled and deveined shrimp will save you prep time and ensure the most tender, easy-to-eat results.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Make sure to drain excess water to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this Tuscan shrimp recipe is creamy and flavorful but not spicy. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly. The key is to watch your heat levels and not overcook the shrimp. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes.

Easy Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp dance with sun-kissed herbs and garlic, bringing Mediterranean coastal flavors right to your kitchen. Italian-inspired comfort blends perfectly with succulent shrimp, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp (31–40 count size), thawed and peeled

Cooking Fats and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) flour
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Creamy and Fresh Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy/whipping cream
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped or julienned
• 1/2 cup (packed) fresh baby spinach
• Handful of fresh basil, cut into thin strips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the flavor foundation by melting butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then whisk in flour. Toast the mixture for approximately 60 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and create a smooth roux base for the sauce.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing briefly until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds. Ensure the garlic doesn’t burn, as it can quickly compromise the dish’s delicate flavor profile.
3. Craft the creamy sauce by incorporating cream, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Gently simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, reducing heat if the sauce becomes too aggressive to maintain a silky consistency.
4. Carefully add shrimp to the simmering sauce, cooking for 4-5 minutes. Gently stir occasionally, watching for the telltale pink and opaque transformation that signals perfect doneness. Avoid overcooking to prevent tough, rubbery texture.
5. Elevate the dish by folding in fresh spinach and basil, allowing them to wilt for 1-2 minutes. The spinach should remain vibrant green and tender. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Create a smooth, lump-free base by whisking flour and butter continuously, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing burning.
• Mince garlic finely and add quickly to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste that overpowers the delicate shrimp flavor.
• Watch shrimp closely during cooking; they turn opaque and curl when done, typically taking 2-3 minutes per side to avoid rubbery texture.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, or use gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 250 mg