Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine Recipe: A Zesty Italian Delight

Creamy Tuscan shrimp linguine converts ordinary pasta into a luxurious dining experience that whisks you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of italy.

Rich and indulgent, this dish balances delicate seafood with velvety sauce and vibrant herbs.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each twirled forkful, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Succulent shrimp nestle among silky strands of linguine, promising an elegant yet approachable meal that feels simultaneously sophisticated and comforting.

Aromatic ingredients blend seamlessly, generating a harmonious profile that speaks to culinary creativity and passion.

Home cooks can elevate their weeknight dinner with this restaurant-quality recipe that requires minimal technical skill.

Sophisticated yet simple, this pasta celebrates coastal cooking with its luscious combination of ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry with paper towel

Place shrimp in mixing bowl

Sprinkle with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic granules

Mix thoroughly to coat shrimp evenly

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-low heat

Add minced garlic

Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden

Step 3: Cook Shrimp to Perfection

Add seasoned shrimp to skillet

Stir continuously

Cook for 2 minutes until shrimp turn pink

Remove shrimp using slotted spoon and set aside

Step 4: Create Flavor Foundation

Deglaze pan with cider or chicken stock

Scrape browned bits from bottom of skillet using wooden spoon

Step 5: Build Creamy Base

Add butter to skillet

Melt over medium heat

Sauté shallots for 5 minutes until softened

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Cook for additional 2 minutes

Step 6: Develop Luxurious Sauce

Reduce heat

Pour in heavy cream

Return shrimp to skillet

Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes

Step 7: Incorporate Fresh Greens

Add baby spinach

Stir until spinach wilts completely

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked linguine to skillet

Toss until pasta is completely coated with creamy sauce

Step 9: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh lemon zest

Chop fresh parsley

Add to pasta

Serve immediately and enjoy

Helpful Tips for Perfect Shrimp and Sauce

  • Dry Shrimp Perfectly: Pat shrimp thoroughly with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture, ensuring a beautiful golden sear and preventing steaming.
  • Control Garlic Heat: Sauté garlic at medium-low temperature to release aromatic flavors without burning, which can create a bitter taste.
  • Master Shrimp Cooking: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and curl slightly, about 2 minutes, to maintain tender, juicy texture without becoming rubbery.
  • Create Silky Sauce: Gently simmer cream sauce to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, luxurious consistency that coats the linguine beautifully.
  • Maximize Fresh Herbs: Add parsley and lemon zest at the end to preserve their bright, vibrant flavors and create a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

Storing and Reheating Without Drying Out

  • Refrigeration: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating Stovetop: Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Microwave Tip: Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst to distribute heat evenly and maintain the creamy sauce's texture.

Sides and Wines to Serve Alongside

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing the richness of the shrimp and complementing the bright lemon zest.
  • Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted artisan bread with a garlic butter spread provides a perfect crunchy texture contrast to the smooth, silky linguine, helping to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: A light, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a zesty counterpoint to the creamy pasta, adding freshness and cutting through the dish's richness.
  • Complement with Chilled Rosé: A dry rosé wine brings out the sun-dried tomatoes' sweetness while refreshing the palate between bites of the creamy shrimp linguine.

Extra Flavor Options to Explore

  • Mediterranean Seafood Fusion: Replace shrimp with a mix of calamari, mussels, and scallops for a rich seafood medley that captures coastal flavors.
  • Spicy Rustic Version: Add red pepper flakes and chorizo chunks to inject bold, smoky heat into the creamy pasta, creating a more robust dish.
  • Vegetarian Mediterranean Option: Swap shrimp with roasted artichoke hearts and white beans, maintaining the creamy sauce's essence while offering a plant-based alternative.
  • Light Herb-Infused Edition: Incorporate fresh basil, dill, and thyme instead of parsley, using white wine for deglazing to enhance the herb-forward profile of the sauce.

Creaminess and Flavor in Tuscan Shrimp Linguine

  • Flavor Explosion: Indulge in a symphony of tastes where succulent shrimp meets creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy punch, and fresh parsley brings a bright, herbaceous note.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this restaurant-quality dish in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks craving a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Texture Paradise: Experience a delightful contrast between tender pink shrimp, silky cream sauce, wilted spinach, and perfectly cooked al dente linguine that dances on your palate.
  • One-Pan Magic: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that creates a luxurious meal using just a single pan, proving that delicious cooking doesn't have to be complicated.

Ingredients for This Savory Pasta Dish

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that brings oceanic flavor, best when fresh and deveined with no dark spots.
  • Linguine: Classic Italian pasta that serves as the perfect base for creamy sauces and absorbs flavors wonderfully.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Garlic Granules: Provides deep, pungent base flavor and classic Italian aroma, fresh or granulated both work well.
  • Shallot: Mild onion-like ingredient that adds subtle sweetness and delicate background notes.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds fresh green color and clean, light taste to finish the dish.
  • Lemon Zest: Citrusy ingredient that brings a sharp, vibrant note to lighten the creamy sauce.
Sauce and Moisture Components:
  • Olive Oil: High-quality cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and create smooth base for sauce.
  • Butter: Adds rich, smooth texture and deepens overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce that coats pasta and binds ingredients together.
  • Cider or Stock: Helps deglaze pan and adds depth of liquid and subtle background flavor.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense, concentrated tomato flavor that brings tangy, slightly sweet dimension.
  • Baby Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that wilts beautifully and adds nutritional value.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and highlight other ingredients.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy Tuscan shrimp linguine brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with its luxurious blend of succulent shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich parmesan cream sauce. Garlic and spinach elevate this pasta dish, delivering a restaurant-quality experience you can savor at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 450 g (1 lb) deveined raw shrimp
  • 300 g (10 ½ oz) dried linguine, cooked until al dente
  • 300 ml (1 ½ cups) single cream
  • 100 g (3 ½ oz) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic granules
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 shallot, finely diced
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Herbs and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Splash of cider or stock (for deglazing)
  • 23 large handfuls of baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare shrimp by patting them dry and seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic granules, ensuring even coating.
  2. Warm olive oil in a large pan over medium-low heat and gently sauté minced garlic until aromatic, releasing its fragrant essence.
  3. Introduce seasoned shrimp to the pan, stirring for approximately 2 minutes until they transform into a vibrant pink color. Carefully extract shrimp using a slotted spoon and set aside.
  4. Deglaze the pan with a splash of liquid, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any caramelized remnants, intensifying the flavor profile.
  5. Melt butter in the pan and sauté finely chopped shallots until they become translucent and tender, approximately 5 minutes.
  6. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes into the pan, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to enhance their rich, concentrated flavor.
  7. Reduce heat and gently stir in cream, creating a luxurious sauce base.
  8. Return shrimp to the pan, allowing them to simmer delicately in the creamy mixture for a few moments.
  9. Fold in baby spinach, watching it wilt and integrate seamlessly into the sauce.
  10. Add cooked linguine, thoroughly coating each strand with the creamy, herb-infused sauce.
  11. Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley, adding brightness and aromatic complexity.
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
  13. Serve immediately, presenting a vibrant and creamy Tuscan-inspired pasta dish.

Notes

  • Shrimp Prep Matters: Pat the shrimp completely dry to ensure perfect searing and prevent watery sauce.
  • Garlic is Key: Fry garlic gently to release its aromatic flavors without burning, creating a rich base for the sauce.
  • Deglaze for Depth: Scraping browned bits from the pan adds intense flavor layers to the creamy Tuscan sauce.
  • Spinach Wilting Technique: Add spinach at the very end and stir just until it wilts to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
  • Sauce Coating Trick: Toss linguine thoroughly to ensure every strand gets covered in the luxurious, creamy sauce.
  • Finishing Touches: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest and parsley just before serving to brighten the entire dish with fresh, zesty notes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star