Name: Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp (31-40 count size), thawed and peeled; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour; 4-5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped or julienned (packed in oil, drained); 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed; Handful fresh basil, cut into thin strips; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·4 from 57 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that marries rich, velvety flavors with bright, fresh ingredients, this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight wonder. Packed with juicy shrimp, a luscious cream sauce, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, every bite feels indulgent yet comforting. It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make this recipe, you’ll keep coming back for more because it hits all the right notes of flavor, texture, and satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan with a gray handle sits on a white marbled surface. Inside, there is a creamy white sauce covering the base, and on top, raw shrimp are spread out, mostly gray with some slight pink tones and orange tails facing outward, showing detail in their texture and shape. In the next image, the same pan is shown, but now a layer of fresh bright green spinach leaves covers the shrimp and the creamy sauce beneath, with the spinach pile uneven and fresh-looking, some leaves overlapping while others slightly lifted. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but come together to create a stunning dish bursting with color and flavor. Each one plays a key role, from adding creaminess to delivering that punch of herbal freshness and tangy brightness.

1 pound shrimp (31-40 count size), thawed and peeled: Choose medium-large shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps build the sauce base.
1 teaspoon flour: Acts as a thickening agent for creating that creamy texture.
4-5 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and a subtle kick to the sauce.
1 cup heavy or whipping cream: The heart of the dish — creates the luscious, silky sauce.
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice: Provides a fresh, zesty balance to the richness.
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the sauce with classic Mediterranean herbs.
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped or julienned: Offers sweet, tangy bursts of concentrated tomato flavor.
1-2 cups packed fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant green color and mild earthiness.
Handful fresh basil, cut into thin strips: Lends a fragrant, slightly sweet herbaceous note.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors together.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Create the Base Sauce

Start by melting the butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute until the mixture becomes smooth and begins to thicken slightly, forming a roux. This step is the foundation of the creamy sauce you’re aiming for.

Step 2: Add Garlic for Flavor

Immediately add the minced garlic to the roux and sauté for about 30 seconds or until you can smell that wonderful fragrant aroma. Garlic is key to the warm, savory undertone that carries through the entire dish.

Step 3: Pour in the Cream and Seasonings

Next, stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning along with the sun-dried tomatoes. Let this simmer gently for 2 minutes to allow all those flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken just a bit. If it bubbles too vigorously, reduce the heat to keep it silky smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add your shrimp to the skillet, cooking them for around 5 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out. At this point, the sauce should be creamy and slightly thickened, coating each piece beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Greens and Herbs

Finally, stir in the fresh baby spinach and basil, allowing them to wilt gently over the heat for 2 minutes. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust with extra lemon juice if you want a bit more brightness. Your Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe is now ready to serve!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

This dish has three main layers starting with a base of smooth white mashed potatoes that look creamy and soft. On top, there are several plump shrimp with a light orange color, covered in a creamy sauce that has small flecks of black pepper and bits of green herbs. Mixed in with the shrimp are bright green wilted spinach leaves and thin strips of reddish-brown sun-dried tomatoes, all coated in the same creamy sauce. The dish is served in a white bowl with a textured surface, placed on a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your dish even further, try garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added depth and a handful of extra basil strips or lemon zest for a burst of freshness. These little touches make every bite feel like a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This creamy shrimp pairs magnificently with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of al dente pasta or creamy polenta to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, steamed rice or crusty garlic bread work perfectly to mop up those delicious flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this recipe in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra olive oil and a lemon wedge on the side looks effortlessly gourmet. Alternatively, for a party, consider spooning the mixture into small crostini or puff pastry shells for bite-sized appetizers that’ll impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftovers of this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days without sacrificing the flavor or texture of the shrimp or sauce.

Freezing

Because shrimp tends to become rubbery when frozen and reheated, it’s best to avoid freezing the entire dish. However, the creamy sauce portion can be frozen separately for up to 1 month and then combined with freshly cooked shrimp when ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power in short intervals. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from separating and avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cooking cream, and use olive oil instead of butter. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes make great additions to the sauce and add extra layers of flavor and texture.

How long does the Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe take to prepare?

This dish is a lifesaver for busy cooks: prep and cook time total about 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet elegant meal.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes can be a good substitute, though they provide a milder flavor.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s easy to whip up and hard to resist. Its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous notes will quickly make it a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try, and get ready for those satisfied smiles at the dinner table!