Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is one of those dishes that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in a snap — seriously, it’s ready in just about 20 minutes! Plump, juicy shrimp are bathed in a luxuriously creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s comforting, it’s elegant, and it’s surprisingly easy. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight or want something impressive without all the fuss, this is your go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Effortless: From skillet to table in 20 minutes — it’s faster than takeout and way more satisfying.
Creamy and Flavor-Packed: The sauce is rich, garlicky, and loaded with flavor from Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.
Low-Carb Friendly: Perfect for those watching their carbs — just skip the pasta and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Versatile: Works beautifully with chicken or even salmon if you’re not in a shrimp mood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp so irresistible — and why each ingredient deserves its place:

Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp — they cook fast and stay tender and juicy. Pat dry for the best sear.
Garlic: Lots of it. Don’t hold back — it builds the base of the sauce and adds a mouthwatering aroma.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sweet, tangy, and slightly chewy, these bring bold Tuscan flavor and color. Use the kind packed in oil for the best texture.
Heavy Cream: This is where the creaminess comes from. For a lighter version, half-and-half works, but full cream delivers the richest result.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best — it melts smoothly and adds that salty, nutty kick that ties the whole dish together.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts perfectly into the sauce. It adds color and a subtle earthy flavor that balances the richness.
Italian Seasoning: Brings a mix of herbs to round out the flavor. A pinch of dried basil and oregano works too.
Butter and Olive Oil: A combination gives you flavor from the butter and a higher smoke point from the oil for cooking the shrimp.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season every layer. It’s simple but essential for bringing out the best in the shrimp and sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A gentle touch of heat, completely optional but highly recommended if you like a little kick.

Variations

Make it with Chicken: Swap the shrimp for thin-sliced chicken breast or thighs. Just sauté a little longer until cooked through.
Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced cremini or button mushrooms before the garlic for extra umami.
Dairy-Free Option: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. Different flavor, still delicious.
Low-Fat Version: Try half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
Pasta Add-In: Serve over fettuccine or linguine for a full Tuscan pasta experience.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Heat a mix of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant — about 30 seconds. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir to release their flavor.

Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then add the grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Seasoning

Toss in the fresh spinach and Italian seasoning. Stir until the spinach wilts down — this takes just a minute or two.

Step 5: Return the Shrimp

Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and gently coat in the sauce. Let everything heat through for another minute or so.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Give it a final taste — add a bit more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired — and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast, and overcooked shrimp get rubbery. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese can clump. Grating it fresh makes the sauce smooth and velvety.
Let the Cream Simmer Gently: Too much heat can break the sauce. Keep the heat low once the cream is in.
Pat Shrimp Dry: This helps get a nice sear and prevents them from steaming.

How to Serve

This dish is super flexible and works with so many sides. Here’s how to make it a full meal:

Over Pasta

The sauce clings beautifully to linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair. A classic pairing!

With Crusty Bread

Scoop up that luscious sauce with a warm hunk of bread. Garlic bread is an excellent choice here.

Low-Carb Options

Serve it over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or even sautéed greens for a lighter meal.

Add a Side Salad

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness to balance the richness of the sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight!

Freezing

Not ideal, as the creamy sauce can separate when thawed. If you must, freeze without the shrimp and add fresh-cooked shrimp when reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp are convenient and work just as well here.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half is a good lighter option, or you can try full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. The sauce will still be creamy, though slightly different in flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default, but you can spice it up with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. The base is mild and creamy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. If you’re meal prepping, cook the sauce and store the shrimp separately, then combine just before serving to keep the shrimp tender.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is a true weeknight wonder — quick, indulgent, and full of big, bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just treating yourself, this dish delivers every time. So go ahead, grab that skillet, and give it a try — it might just become your new favorite dinner.

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe