Introduction: Discover Gourmet Simplicity with Chef Elina Nivas
Table of content
Table of Contents
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.
Notes
Nutrition
Experience the magic of a luxurious restaurant-quality dinner that comes together in one pan in under 30 minutes. This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe is a masterpiece of flavor, featuring plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a velvety, herb-infused garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Created by Chef Elina Nivas, this dish embodies the rustic elegance of Tuscan cuisine, using simple ingredients to create a profoundly satisfying meal. Whether you need an impressive date night dinner or a quick yet special weeknight feast, this easy Tuscan shrimp recipe delivers incredible results every time. Follow this guide for the complete ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and professional tips to perfect your creamy garlic Tuscan shrimp.
The Essence of Tuscan Flavor:
Key Ingredients Breakdown
The soul of this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe lies in its harmonious ingredients. You will need large shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined, for the best texture. The creamy garlic Tuscan shrimp sauce is built with minced fresh garlic, flavor-packed sun-dried tomatoes (both the tomatoes and their oil), and fresh baby spinach. The luxurious creaminess comes from a combination of heavy cream (double cream) and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The flavor profile is rounded out with chicken or vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth. This combination creates the authentic taste of our easy Tuscan shrimp recipe.
Step 1: Perfectly Searing the Shrimp
The first step in this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe is to cook the shrimp properly. Pat your raw shrimp completely dry with paper towels; this is crucial for getting a good sear instead of steaming. In your large skillet, heat a mixture of olive oil and the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer and sear for just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. They do not need to be fully cooked through yet. Immediately remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside. This step ensures your creamy garlic Tuscan shrimp has perfectly textured, juicy seafood.
Step 2: Building the Aromatic Sauce Base
With the shrimp set aside, it’s time to build the flavor foundation for your Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until incredibly fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, using a spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the shrimp. This technique is key for a depth of flavor in your creamy garlic Tuscan shrimp. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the Italian seasoning, letting the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Creating the Luxurious Cream Sauce
Now, transform the aromatics into the signature creamy Tuscan sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to incorporate it into the broth. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for a few minutes, letting it thicken slightly. Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth. The Parmesan adds both saltiness and body, essential for the creamy Tuscan shrimp recipe sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This is the rich, velvety base for your creamy garlic Tuscan shrimp.
Step 4: Finishing the Dish with Greens and Shrimp
To complete your Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe, add the fresh baby spinach to the simmering sauce. Stir until the spinach just wilts, which takes only a minute. Finally, return the seared shrimp to the pan, along with any accumulated juices. Gently stir to coat every piece of shrimp in the creamy Tuscan sauce. Let everything heat through for 1-2 final minutes, ensuring the shrimp are fully cooked but still tender. For a finishing touch, garnish your easy Tuscan shrimp recipe with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. The dish is now ready to serve.
Expert Tips & Serving Suggestions from Chef Elina Nivas
Chef Elina Nivas shares her expertise for perfecting this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe. First, use raw shrimp rather than pre-cooked, as they absorb the sauce flavors better and won’t become rubbery. For the richest flavor, always use real grated Parmesan from a block, not pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents. To serve, this creamy garlic Tuscan shrimp is magnificent over a bed of creamy pasta, fluffy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce. For a lower-carb option, try it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. It pairs wonderfully with a side like our Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni for a full Italian-inspired feast.
Customizable Variations for Your Taste
This easy Tuscan shrimp recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a protein variation, try substituting the shrimp with scallops or chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. For a vegetarian Tuscan dish, replace the shrimp with chickpeas or artichoke hearts and use vegetable broth. If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less thick. Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers when building your creamy Tuscan sauce for extra depth.
Conclusion:
Your Go-To Recipe for Elegant, Easy Dining
In summary, this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe is a foolproof path to a spectacular meal that feels gourmet without requiring advanced skills. By following the simple steps to sear the shrimp and build the creamy garlic Tuscan shrimp sauce, you unlock a world of flavor that is sure to impress. The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan creates a timeless, comforting dish. Keep this easy Tuscan shrimp recipe in your repertoire for any occasion that calls for something truly special, yet effortlessly simple, straight from your kitchen.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this creamy Tuscan shrimp recipe. Thaw them completely overnight in the refrigerator or in a bowl of cold water. The most important step is to pat them very dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing to ensure they brown properly for your creamy garlic Tuscan shrimp.
2. How can I make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin?
If your sauce for the Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe is too thin, create a quick slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Whisk this into the simmering creamy Tuscan sauce and let it cook for an extra 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, simply let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.
3. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers of this easy Tuscan shrimp recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of broth or cream to loosen the creamy Tuscan sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power, as it can cause the shrimp to become tough and the sauce to separate.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can partially prepare this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe ahead. Make the creamy Tuscan sauce base (through Step 3) and store it separately. Sear the shrimp and store them separately as well. Shortly before serving, reheat the sauce, wilt the spinach, add the shrimp to warm through, and finish your creamy garlic Tuscan shrimp. This ensures the best texture.