This Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp is a flavorful delight! Juicy shrimp are cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Yummy!
Whenever I make this dish, my family can’t help but gather around. They know a delicious meal is on the way! It’s perfect with pasta or crusty bread to soak up that sauce! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal here. If you’re allergic or not a fan, try using chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just ensure they’re cooked properly if using chicken.
Olive Oil: Good quality olive oil adds flavor. If you want a lighter option, feel free to swap it with avocado oil or melted butter. They both work well!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a lovely sweetness. If you can’t find them, roasted red peppers can be a nice alternative. They’ll give a similar color, but less tang.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half, or coconut cream if you want a dairy-free choice. The sauce might be a bit less thick, but still delicious!
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan gives a nice salty flavor, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky; overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Make sure they are patted dry; moisture will steam them instead of searing.
- Cook them in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque. If they curl up tightly, they’re likely overcooked!
- Once cooked, remove them from the skillet immediately to stop the cooking process.
Following these tips can make your shrimp perfectly tender and delicious every time!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal. You can expect to spend around 25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the shrimp:
First, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is important because it helps them cook evenly. Then, season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and ensures your shrimp taste amazing!
2. Cook the shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, carefully remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté aromatics:
Now, lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, and then add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes, or until everything is fragrant and the onion is translucent. It’ll smell amazing!
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes:
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and infuses the oil with deliciousness.
5. Make the sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, making sure to scrape up any yummy browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it reduce for 1-2 minutes. This will create a deeper flavor base for the sauce.
6. Add cream and cheese:
Now it’s time to add the heavy cream! Stir it well as you pour it in. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, so it thickens slightly. Then, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined, resulting in a creamy, luscious sauce.
7. Add spinach:
Fold in the fresh spinach, cooking until it wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes. You’ll be surprised at how much flavor it adds and how it brightens the dish!
8. Combine shrimp and sauce:
Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir them into the creamy sauce, making sure they’re well coated. Let it cook for another minute to heat everything through.
9. Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your creamy garlic butter Tuscan shrimp immediately over cooked pasta, rice, or alongside some crusty bread to soak up that fantastic sauce.
Now dig in and enjoy your homemade Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp! Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw them before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in the fridge overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. For the cheese, try using nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese option to keep it creamy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to help with moisture!
What Can I Serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or quinoa. Alternatively, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal!