Tuscan Shrimp : Juicy, plump shrimp are bathed in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner
What is Tuscan Shrimp?
Tuscan Shrimp is a creamy, garlic-flavored shrimp dish inspired by traditional Tuscan flavors. It typically features ingredients like shrimp, heavy cream, garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, often paired with Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Tuscan Shrimp
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly! Keep an eye on them, and as soon as they turn pink and opaque, take them off the heat to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
- Use fresh garlic: While jarred garlic works in a pinch, fresh garlic delivers the best flavor.
- Season as you go: Taste the sauce before adding the shrimp back into the pan to adjust the seasoning.
- Customize the heat: If you like a bit of spice, red pepper flakes can elevate the dish. For a milder flavor, you can leave them out entirely.
Variations of Tuscan Shrimp
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. You can tweak it to suit different dietary needs or preferences.
With Pasta: This sauce pairs beautifully with fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Toss the pasta directly in the sauce for an extra-creamy coating.
Low-Carb/Keto: Swap pasta for zoodles (zucchini noodles) or cauliflower rice. The creamy sauce is already keto-friendly!
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream, and skip the Parmesan.
Tuscan Chicken: If you’re not in the mood for shrimp, you can easily substitute chicken breast or thighs. Simply cook them through before making the sauce.
How to Serve Tuscan Shrimp
Tuscan Shrimp is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas:
- With Pasta: Serve over linguine, fettuccine, or even spaghetti for a classic Italian feel.
- With Rice: Serve over a bed of jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce.
- With Crusty Bread: A thick slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the creamy, garlicky sauce.
- Over Zoodles: For a low-carb alternative, serve the shrimp and sauce over zucchini noodles.
How to Store and Reheat Tuscan Shrimp
Tuscan Shrimp stores well, but shrimp can sometimes become tough when reheated. Here’s how to store and reheat for the best results:
Freezing: While the sauce freezes well, shrimp can sometimes lose texture when frozen and thawed. If you plan to freeze, consider freezing the sauce separately and adding freshly cooked shrimp after reheating.
Storing: Let the shrimp cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally. Be sure not to overheat the shrimp as they can become tough.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Tuscan Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp properly before cooking. Let them sit in the fridge overnight or use a quick thaw method by running them under cold water for 5-10 minutes.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you find the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken it.
Can I make Tuscan Shrimp dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. You can also omit the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
How long can I store Tuscan Shrimp?
Tuscan Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
Tuscan Shrimp
Tuscan Shrimp : Juicy, plump shrimp are bathed in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs. It's a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (adjustable to 1 1/2 lbs)
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp each: dried basil, oregano, and thyme
- 10 large sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1-2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Olive oil for cooking
- 4 oz spinach
Instructions
- Heat 1-2 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink but aren’t fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat, add butter (optional), and sauté minced garlic and shallot until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, oregano, and thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with white wine and cook for 1-2 minutes until it evaporates. Stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth, simmering for 5-7 minutes to thicken.
- Add spinach, let it wilt, then pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer until the sauce is creamy and luscious.
- Add the shrimp back into the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil, and you're done!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 443Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 303mgSodium 1751mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 2gSugar 6gProtein 34g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Tuscan Shrimp is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that captures the essence of Italian cooking with its simple, fresh ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this dish delivers on flavor and sophistication. Best of all, you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes. Buon appetito!
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