Description
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp with Spinach is a rich and flavorful Italian-inspired main course featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a luscious garlic cream sauce with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. This dish is quick to prepare, perfect for a weekday dinner, and pairs beautifully with pasta or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ½ cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Liquids
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chicken broth
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Lightly season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in the chopped baby spinach and cook for about 1 minute until wilted, integrating its flavor into the sauce.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Add Italian seasoning and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat them in the creamy sauce. Allow the shrimp to heat through by simmering for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving hot.
Notes
- Serve this creamy Tuscan shrimp over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower mash for a complete meal.
- For a lighter variation, substitute half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Adding sun-dried tomatoes can enhance the flavor and add a tangy twist.
