Description
This Tuscan Shrimp dish is creamy, garlicky, and packed with Mediterranean flavors, featuring juicy shrimp, tender spinach, tangy artichokes, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Serve it over pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (drained if packed in oil)
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered (canned or jarred, drained)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (or more, as it wilts down!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra depth)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts, cooking for 2 minutes to soften.
- Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Finish & Serve
- Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt (1 minute).
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Let cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, then serve hot!
Serving Suggestions
- Over pasta: Serve with fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
- With rice: Pair with garlic butter rice or lemon-infused quinoa.
- With bread: Enjoy with crusty Italian bread or garlic toast.
Notes
- Lighter option? Use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Extra veggies? Add mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
- More protein? Toss in grilled chicken or salmon.
- Spicier? Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.