Go Back

Creamy Garlic Tuscan Shrimp - Rich, Comforting, and Weeknight-Friendly

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (use some oil from the sun-dried tomatoes if packed in oil)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5–6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (oil-packed preferred, drained)
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or dry white wine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread, for serving

Method
 

  1. Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry. Toss with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Dry shrimp brown better and won’t water down the sauce.
  2. Sear the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque. Transfer to a plate. Do not overcook.
  3. Build flavor in the pan: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
  4. Deglaze: Pour in broth or wine. Scrape up browned bits from the pan and let it bubble for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower heat. Simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
  6. Add Parmesan: Whisk in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt as needed. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth.
  7. Wilt the greens: Add spinach and fold gently until just wilted, about 1 minute.
  8. Finish the dish: Return shrimp and any juices to the pan. Stir in lemon juice. Simmer 30–60 seconds to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning and heat level.
  9. Serve: Garnish with parsley or basil. Spoon over pasta, rice, or polenta, or serve with crusty bread to scoop up the sauce.