Name: Creamy Tuscan Shrimp with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced; 2 cups baby spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken stock; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

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If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from Italy, you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe. It’s packed with tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce studded with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh, bright spinach. This meal feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly, making it your perfect go-to for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of rich, savory, and fresh flavors that will have you reaching for seconds and dreaming of making it again soon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden table with various cooking ingredients arranged neatly. There is a white bag of all-purpose flour on the left, next to a small white bowl filled with cream. Above the bowl are three small piles of spices: black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. To the right, a small glass cup contains oil. Next to it, a bunch of fresh green spinach leaves lie flat. Above the spinach is a bottle of yellow mustard, a yellow onion, a white carton of chicken broth, a bottle of Sriracha sauce, and a pile of raw shrimp. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this classic Italian-inspired dish. Each item plays a crucial role in building the flavor profile, from the sweetness of the shrimp to the tangy pop of sun-dried tomatoes and the creaminess of the Parmesan-enriched sauce.

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the juiciest texture and best bite.
Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps sear the shrimp perfectly.
Garlic, minced: Infuses an irresistible aroma and depth into the sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes, sliced: Bring a punch of sweetness and chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: The base of the luscious sauce, giving it that signature creamy indulgence.
Chicken stock: Adds savory warmth while keeping the sauce silky and balanced.
Parmesan cheese, grated: Melts smoothly into the sauce, boosting flavor with its nutty, salty notes.
Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a mild earthiness that complements the shrimp.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that elevates every component in the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the wonderful flavors.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Shrimp with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp

Start by rinsing your shrimp and patting them dry to ensure they sear perfectly. Season them generously with salt and black pepper, setting the stage for a flavorful crust when they hit the hot pan.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear them for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook; they will finish cooking later. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium, then add minced garlic to the skillet. Let the garlic cook gently until fragrant, usually about 30 seconds to a minute. This step creates the perfect aroma and flavor base for your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and give them a quick stir. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, letting everything come together with a gentle simmer. This creates a rich, flavorful foundation for the dish.

Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. As the cheese melts, it will thicken the sauce and add a savory, tangy complexity. Keep stirring until it’s smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Add Spinach

Fold fresh baby spinach into the sauce. Cook just until the spinach wilts but still stays bright green, giving the dish a beautiful color contrast and a hint of earthiness to balance the creaminess.

Step 7: Return Shrimp and Finish Cooking

Carefully nestle the seared shrimp back into the skillet, swirling them gently in the sauce to absorb all those decadent flavors. Let everything warm through for a minute or two, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Shrimp with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten this rich dish perfectly. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts either, making it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This dish is elegantly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it over al dente pasta for classic indulgence, creamy mashed potatoes for comfort, or alongside jasmine or basmati rice to soak up every bit of the sauce. Crusty bread is also a fantastic pairing for mopping up all that goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try plating the shrimp over polenta or even roasted zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb option. Presenting it in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of chili flakes offers a subtle kick and makes your meal look stunning and appetizing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Tuscan Shrimp with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it delicious the next day.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of shrimp might change slightly after thawing. If you choose to freeze, place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag and consume within 1 month for best freshness. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of cream or stock can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to achieve a nice sear and avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, half-and-half works well, though the sauce will be less thick and rich. For dairy-free alternatives, coconut cream can be a flavorful option but will subtly change the taste.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no wheat-based ingredients. Just be cautious of the chicken stock brand if you have strict gluten sensitivity.

Can I add a spicy kick to the dish?

Definitely! Adding red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic gives the sauce a lovely warmth without overpowering the dish.

How long does this dish take to make?

This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe takes about 25 minutes total, including prep and cooking time, making it super quick for a flavorful dinner.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe a try. It’s one of those rare dishes that feels elegant yet is surprisingly simple to pull off. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it promises rich, comforting flavors and a bright, fresh finish every time. Get ready for a new favorite on your dinner rotation that’s as joyful to eat as it is to make!