Description

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine is a delicious and comforting Italian-inspired main course featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich and flavorful cream sauce with garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and fresh herbs. Served over perfectly cooked linguine pasta, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Pasta

12 ounces linguine pasta

Shrimp and Sauce

1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup fresh baby spinach
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Optional: lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté garlic and tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften slightly.
Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Add cheese and spinach: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Add fresh baby spinach and cook just until wilted.
Combine everything: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the linguine. Toss everything thoroughly so the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top, and serve warm with optional lemon wedges for added brightness.

Notes

For extra richness, add an additional tablespoon of Parmesan cheese before serving.
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to make a lighter sauce, though the texture will be slightly thinner.
Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.
Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch.