Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a luscious, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. This dish is a perfect blend of Italian-inspired flavors and makes for an indulgent yet quick and easy dinner. It’s often served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Here’s how to make Creamy Tuscan Shrimp:

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil, drained)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
   • Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
   • Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting them release their flavors.
   • Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
   • Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Add the Spinach:
   • Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and softens into the sauce.
4. Combine the Shrimp and Sauce:
   • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy sauce until well-coated. Let the shrimp simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
5. Serve:
   • Once everything is heated and well combined, remove from heat and stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired, to brighten the flavor.
   • Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, and serve immediately.
6. Optional Serving Suggestions:
   • Serve your Creamy Tuscan Shrimp over cooked pasta (like fettuccine or linguine), mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside a fresh salad and crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Tips:

• For a lighter version: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• To add more depth of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream.
• For extra richness, you can add a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese to the sauce.

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is a decadent and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight meal or special occasion! Enjoy!