Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small bowl
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1½ lb (680 g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Creamy Tuscan Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
Oil-packed preferred, drained but not rinsed - 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for balance)
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
- Place them in a bowl.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Toss gently until evenly coated.
- Set aside while preparing the pan.
Dry shrimp sear better and stay juicy.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 1½–2 minutes per side.
- Remove the shrimp as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Set aside on a plate.
Do not overcook. The shrimp will finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter to the same skillet.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic.
- Cook for 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another 30 seconds.
This step infuses the butter with garlic and tomato flavor.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Scrape the bottom of the pan to release browned bits.
- Add the heavy cream and stir well.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
Step 5: Season and Thicken
- Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but remain fluid.
Step 6: Add Spinach
- Add spinach to the skillet in handfuls.
- Stir gently until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
Spinach adds freshness and balances the richness of the sauce.
Step 7: Return the Shrimp
- Add the shrimp and any accumulated juices back to the pan.
- Stir gently to coat the shrimp in sauce.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked and warmed through.
Step 8: Final Adjustments
- Taste the sauce.
- Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Add lemon juice if desired to brighten the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Tuscan shrimp pairs well with:
- Pasta such as fettuccine or linguine
- Steamed rice or risotto
- Mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread for soaking up sauce
- Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter option
