Creamy Garlic Tuscan Butter Shrimp is a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It features succulent shrimp in a rich, creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect served over pasta, rice, or crusty bread! Here’s how to make it:
Creamy Garlic Tuscan Butter Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed or rehydrated)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Spinach and Cheese:
- Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt in the sauce, about 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the Shrimp:
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let everything heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips:
- Shrimp Size: Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain them well. If using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
- Make It Lighter: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
This dish is creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor—perfect for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal! 🍤🧄🍅