Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The creamy sauce brings out the sweetness of the shrimp, and the sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely tang. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how satisfying it is to eat.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound uncooked jumbo shrimp (tails off)
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 1/2 cups half and half (or heavy whipping cream)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Cooked pasta (optional for serving)
Directions
Cook the shrimp. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce. In the same skillet, slowly add the white wine to deglaze the pan. Stir to loosen any bits stuck to the bottom, then allow the wine to reduce by half. Once reduced, add the half and half, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts down.
Serve. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. You can serve the dish as it is or over cooked pasta for a more filling meal.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is versatile. You can serve it on its own as a light meal or over a bed of pasta for a heartier dish. Pair it with a side salad and some crusty bread for the perfect dinner.
How to Store Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2-3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.
Tips to Make Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. You can also use frozen shrimp; just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half of the half and half with chicken broth.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Variation
You can customize this dish by adding different spices or herbs, such as basil or parsley, to enhance the flavor. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to cook them down until they soften.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth can be a good substitute.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Creamy Tuscan Shrimp can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Ingredients
For the shrimp and sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound uncooked jumbo shrimp (tails off)
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 1/2 cups half and half (or heavy whipping cream)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- to taste Cooked pasta (optional for serving)
Instructions
Cooking the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, slowly add the white wine to deglaze the pan.
- Stir to loosen any bits stuck to the bottom, then allow the wine to reduce by half.
- Once reduced, add the half and half, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the spinach wilts down.
Serving the Dish
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
- Serve the dish as is or over cooked pasta for a more filling meal.