Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

Indulge in the rich and flavorful taste of this Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp recipe. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to prepare at home, making it perfect for a special dinner or a comforting meal. The combination of succulent shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach in a creamy parmesan sauce makes this dish absolutely irresistible. Serve it over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 tablespoons salted butter, divided

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1 pound shrimp or prawns, tails on or off

1 small yellow onion, diced

6 cloves garlic, finely diced

½ cup white wine (optional)

5 oz sun-dried tomato strips in oil, drained (reserve 1 teaspoon of the jarred oil for cooking)

1 ¾ cups half and half or heavy cream

1 pinch salt, to taste

1 pinch pepper, to taste

3 cups baby spinach leaves, washed

⅔ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water (optional)

2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Melt one tablespoon of butter with the cooking oil.

3. Add the shrimp and fry for two minutes on each side, until just cooked through and pink.

4. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining one tablespoon of butter and add the diced onion.

2. Cook until soft, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.

3. If using white wine, pour it in and let it reduce to half while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for two minutes to release their flavors.

2. Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the half and half or heavy cream.

3. Stir occasionally and allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Cheese

1. Stir in the baby spinach leaves and let them wilt.

2. Mix in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.

3. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch slurry into the center of the pan and stir quickly to thicken.

Step 5: Finish with Shrimp and Herbs

1. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and coat them in the creamy sauce.

2. Sprinkle with Italian herbs and fresh parsley.

3. Stir everything together and let it simmer for one more minute.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.

If serving with pasta, mix cooked al dente pasta into the sauce along with ¼ cup of reserved pasta water to help blend the flavors.

Recipe Notes

Half and Half Substitute: If you don’t have half and half, mix equal parts light cream and milk. Alternatively, use all heavy cream for a richer taste.

Butter Choice: You can use unsalted butter, but adjust seasoning accordingly.

Shrimp Tips: Both fresh and frozen shrimp work well. If using frozen, thaw before cooking.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use those packed in oil for extra flavor and drain them before cooking.

Pasta Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with linguine, fettuccine, or penne pasta.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 426 kcal

Carbohydrates: 19g

Protein: 35g

Fat: 21g

Saturated Fat: 11g

Cholesterol: 226mg

Sodium: 625mg

Potassium: 1,095mg

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 5g

Vitamin A: 3,076 IU

Vitamin C: 50mg

Calcium: 345mg

Iron: 3mg

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp is the perfect blend of rich, creamy, and savory flavors. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for special occasions. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade meal!

Let us know in the comments how it turned out for you!