This creamy garlic butter Tuscan shrimp is a wonderful dish! With juicy shrimp cooked in a rich sauce made from garlic, butter, and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s simply delightful.
I love how quickly this meal comes together. It’s perfect for any night when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Just add some pasta or bread to scoop up that sauce! 🍤❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: I recommend using large shrimp as they hold up well in the sauce. If you’re on a budget or can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp are a great substitute; just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor! You can replace them with roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes, but they’ll give different flavors. I love using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for added richness.
Heavy cream: This creates a luscious sauce, but for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk if you’re going dairy-free. Note that the flavor will change slightly with substitutes.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal here, but if you have frozen spinach, it will work fine too. Just make sure to squeeze out extra water to avoid a watery sauce.
How Do I Cook the Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be quick and tricky! You want them juicy and tender, not rubbery. Here’s how to nail it:
- Ensure your shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry for a good sear.
- Cook them over medium-high heat. This helps them cook quickly while browning nicely.
- Only cook them for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink. They’ll keep cooking in the sauce, so slightly undercooking them helps.
What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Sauce?
To achieve a creamy and flavorful sauce, follow these steps:
- Sauté garlic and onions slowly. This builds a complex flavor base for your sauce.
- After adding cream, allow the sauce to simmer gently. If it boils too rapidly, it may separate.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese off the heat. This ensures it melts smoothly without clumping.
With these tips, your Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp will be such a hit! Enjoy cooking! 🍽️
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Crusty bread or cooked pasta, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish can be ready in about 20 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 10 cooking the shrimp and sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, season your shrimp with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika for extra flavor. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet you used for the shrimp. Once the butter has melted, toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté these until the onion becomes soft and fragrant, which will take about 2-3 minutes. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your sauce!
3. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to bring in the sun-dried tomatoes! Stir them into the skillet and let them cook for an additional minute to infuse their flavor into the garlic and onion.
4. Make the Sauce:
Next, pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to reduce slightly by simmering for about 3-4 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and make it luscious.
5. Stir in the Cheese:
Once the cream has reduced, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely, giving you a creamy texture. You should notice that the sauce thickens a bit more at this point.
6. Add the Spinach:
Now, toss in the fresh spinach leaves. Cook them in the sauce for about 1-2 minutes until they are just wilted. This adds a pop of color and flavor!
7. Combine the Shrimp:
Finally, return your cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss it gently in the sauce. Cook everything together for another minute just to heat the shrimp through.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your creamy Tuscan shrimp with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping or over your favorite pasta to soak up that delicious sauce!
Enjoy your delightful Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp! 🍤❤️
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just ensure the shrimp are fully thawed before cooking. To thaw them quickly, place the shrimp in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning!
How Do I Store Leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For cheese, nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese can work as a great replacement, though the flavor will vary slightly.
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
This creamy shrimp dish is amazing served over pasta to soak up the sauce, but it also pairs well with crusty bread or steamed rice. For a lighter option, enjoy it on a bed of zoodle (zucchini noodles) or alongside a fresh salad!
