Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe: A Flavorful Italian Delight

Seafood lovers rejoice as this zesty Tuscan shrimp recipe bursts with Mediterranean flavors that dance on your palate.

Succulent shrimp swim in a rich, creamy sauce that whispers of Italian countryside kitchens.

Garlic, herbs, and a splash of white wine create a symphony of taste that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Each bite promises a delightful escape to the sunny landscapes of Tuscany.

Tender shrimp nestle perfectly in the velvety sauce, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can easily create at home.

The recipe delivers a sensational dining experience that will impress even the most discerning food enthusiasts.

Get ready to transport your taste buds to a culinary adventure that’s both elegant and incredibly satisfying.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 476 kcal

Servings: 5

Tuscan Shrimp Ingredient Breakdown

• Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp bring oceanic sweetness and delicate texture to this Mediterranean-inspired dish, selecting wild-caught varieties offers the most robust flavor profile.

• Smoked Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: These spices create a robust flavor foundation, transforming simple ingredients into a complex culinary experience with warm, aromatic notes.

• Garlic: Pungent and transformative, minced garlic adds depth and traditional Mediterranean character to the dish.
• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil provides silky richness and authentic Mediterranean cooking essence.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, tangy tomatoes deliver intense umami and vibrant Mediterranean sunshine flavor.
• Artichoke Hearts: Tender, slightly nutty artichokes bring elegant texture and sophisticated Mediterranean coastal spirit.
• Spinach: Fresh, verdant spinach introduces nutritional density and bright green color to the final presentation.

• Heavy Cream: Luxurious and velvety, cream creates a luscious sauce that binds all ingredients with elegant smoothness.

Kitchen Tools for Tuscan Shrimp

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing shrimp and creating the creamy sauce.
• Chef's knife: Perfect for chopping garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
• Plate: Used for temporarily removing cooked shrimp.

Cooking Instructions for Tuscan Shrimp

• Spice Blend Preparation

Create a zesty spice mixture using smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to coat the shrimp with incredible flavor.

• Shrimp Sizzle

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and quickly cook shrimp with garlic until they turn pink and develop a beautiful golden edge, then set aside.

• Veggie Magic

In the same skillet, toss sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes for a quick sauté, then add fresh spinach and let it gently wilt into the mix.

• Creamy Transformation

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle extra paprika, creating a luxurious sauce that brings all the ingredients together with rich, velvety texture.

• Final Harmony

Return the shrimp to the skillet, allowing them to bathe in the creamy sauce until perfectly heated through and fully coated with the delicious mixture.

Flavor Boosts for Tuscan Shrimp

• Shrimp Selection Magic: Choose large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and most impressive presentation, ensuring they're fresh or properly thawed before cooking.
• Spice Blend Boost: Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or oregano to enhance the Italian-inspired flavor profile and add depth to the dish's aroma.
• Creamy Sauce Secrets: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, maintaining rich flavor while reducing overall calories.
• Quick Protein Swap: Transform this recipe by replacing shrimp with chicken breast or white fish for a versatile meal that adapts to different protein preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder Tip: Clean the skillet quickly between steps to prevent burning and ensure each ingredient maintains its distinct flavor and perfect texture throughout cooking.

How to Serve Tuscan Shrimp

• Tuscan Sunset Plating: Serve this vibrant dish on a warm white ceramic plate, allowing the rich colors of shrimp, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes to pop against the pristine background. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil around the edges for a gourmet restaurant touch.
• Mediterranean Pasta Companion: Pair the Tuscan Shrimp over a bed of al dente linguine or fettuccine to soak up the creamy, flavorful sauce. The pasta will perfectly capture the delicious sauce and add a satisfying texture to each bite.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, herbal note that complements the rich, creamy sauce. The green herbs will provide a beautiful color contrast and a burst of fresh flavor.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These light, refreshing wines will balance the creamy sauce and enhance the delicate shrimp flavors, creating a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.

Storing Your Tuscan Shrimp

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Tuscan shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Wisdom: Separate sauce and shrimp before freezing to maintain optimal texture. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 weeks, preventing sauce separation and seafood toughness.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore sauce consistency. Avoid microwave to prevent rubbery shrimp and sauce breakdown.
• Smart Meal Prep: Prepare sauce ingredients in advance and store separately. Cook shrimp just before serving to ensure peak flavor and prevent overcooking during initial preparation.

Succulent Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Quick Tuscan shrimp recipe delivers creamy, herb-infused seafood perfection with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Garlic and parmesan create rich Mediterranean flavors that home cooks will savor alongside crusty bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) raw shrimp (large, peeled, and deveined)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz (113 grams) fresh spinach
• 14 oz (397 grams) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 4 oz (113 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (mix of thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp coarse black pepper
• Additional smoked paprika to taste
• Additional salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Craft a robust spice blend using smoked paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, thoroughly coating the shrimp.
2. Skillet Activation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal searing environment for the seafood.
3. Protein Caramelization: Introduce minced garlic and seasoned shrimp simultaneously, allowing both to develop a golden-brown crust for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Vegetable Infusion: In the same skillet, rapidly sauté sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke pieces, then fold in fresh spinach leaves until they wilt and create a vibrant base.
5. Sauce Development: Stream heavy cream into the skillet, sprinkle additional smoked paprika, and reduce heat to allow the sauce to thicken and marry flavors for approximately one minute.
6. Final Integration: Return shrimp to the skillet, gently coating each piece in the creamy sauce, and continue simmering until protein is thoroughly heated and sauce reaches perfect consistency.

Notes

• Optimize Seasoning Blend: Mix spices thoroughly before coating shrimp to ensure even flavor distribution and maximum taste penetration.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden caramelization without burning delicate shrimp.
• Watch Seafood Timing: Sear shrimp precisely 2 minutes per side to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Simmer cream sauce briefly to thicken without reducing too much, creating a silky smooth coating for ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 476
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 239 mg