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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Cooked pasta (optional, for serving) When making One Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp, I love to start with fresh ingredients. The shrimp should be large and juicy. I choose extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. Garlic adds a nice kick. Halved cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color. Fresh spinach gives the dish a healthy touch. I use heavy cream to create a silky sauce. Grated Parmesan cheese adds depth and richness. For seasoning, I stick with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. It’s simple but full of flavor. For serving, I recommend fresh basil leaves on top. They add a pop of color and a fresh taste. If you like, serve the shrimp over cooked pasta. This makes it even more filling and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add 3 finely minced cloves of garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells great and turns light golden. - Step 2: Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they are pink and opaque. Once they are done, transfer them to a plate and set aside. - Step 3: Make sure to keep the garlic oil in the skillet. This oil adds great flavor to your dish. - Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they soften and their juices start to flow. - Step 5: Stir in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook until it wilts, which should take about 1 minute. - Step 6: Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Gently bring this to a light simmer while stirring. Once it simmers, reduce the heat and mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. - Step 7: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently stir to coat the shrimp in the sauce. Heat everything through for about 2 minutes. - Step 8: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt or pepper. - Step 9: If you like, serve the creamy shrimp over cooked pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch and a pop of color. Choosing the right shrimp size is key. I recommend using large shrimp, around 16-20 count per pound. This size cooks evenly and has a nice bite. For cooking time, aim for about 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. If you overcook them, they become rubbery, which we want to avoid. To make this dish even tastier, consider adding more herbs or spices. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill work well. You can also use red pepper flakes for some heat. For added texture and flavor, try including sliced mushrooms or bell peppers. These veggies bring extra color and taste to your creamy sauce. Plating can elevate your dish. Twirl cooked pasta on the plate using a fork. Then, spoon the creamy shrimp mixture over it. This creates a beautiful, layered look. For garnish, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and add fresh basil leaves. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the aroma of your dish. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Key: Always choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thoroughly thawed before cooking. Customize Your Cream: Feel free to experiment with different types of cream or add a splash of white wine for a unique flavor twist in the sauce. Herb Variations: Enhance the dish by adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley along with the basil for a more complex flavor profile. Leftover Sauce Uses: If you have leftover sauce, it can be used as a delicious dip for crusty bread or as a sauce for other proteins like chicken or fish. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cream base for fun. If you want a dairy-free option, try using coconut milk. It adds a lovely sweetness and works well with the other flavors. For a lighter touch, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Cream cheese is another great alternative. It gives the sauce a nice thickness and a rich flavor. Shrimp are great, but you can swap them out if you like. Chicken is a tasty option. Just cook it until it’s fully done. Tofu also works well for a vegetarian choice. For a seafood twist, mix in different kinds of seafood. Scallops or mussels can add variety and make the dish even more exciting. Adding more veggies can make this dish even better. Think of seasonal vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers. They bring fresh flavors and colors to your plate. You can also toss in more greens, like kale or arugula. These will add a nice crunch and boost the nutrients. Don’t be afraid to get creative with what you have on hand! To store your leftover creamy Tuscan shrimp, place it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. This will help keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to reheat it, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave, but do it in short bursts. Stir between bursts to heat evenly. If you want to keep the dish longer, you can freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use the stove or microwave. Add a splash of cream to help restore its creamy texture. Eat the leftovers within three days for the best taste. After that, it may lose flavor and freshness. Look for signs of spoilage like off smells, discoloration, or a change in texture. If you see any of these, it's best to toss it out. Keeping an eye on your food helps you enjoy it at its best! To keep shrimp tender, avoid cooking them too long. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Remove them from heat quickly to prevent overcooking. If you cook them too long, they can become tough and chewy. You want to enjoy a nice, juicy bite. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just thaw them first. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or using cold water. To thaw quickly, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. After thawing, rinse them and pat dry before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and keeps the texture nice. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut milk works well. It adds a nice creaminess but changes the flavor a bit. You can also use half-and-half or cream cheese for a lighter version. Each alternative will change the texture a bit, so choose based on your taste. To add spice, you can use red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. Fresh chopped chili peppers can also add heat. If you like a stronger flavor, try adding some black pepper to enhance the taste. Enjoy experimenting until it’s just right for you! This blog post covers how to make a creamy shrimp dish. We explored key ingredients, from shrimp to Parmesan cheese. I shared clear instructions to create a rich sauce and combine it all perfectly. You learned tips for enhancing flavor and presentation, plus ways to swap ingredients. Finally, I provided storage advice to keep your leftovers fresh. Cooking can be fun and simple, so get creative with variations and enjoy your meal!

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Delight

A rich and creamy shrimp dish with cherry tomatoes and spinach, perfect over pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • leaves Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • serving Cooked pasta (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely minced garlic and sauté it for approximately 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
  • Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful pink and opaque color. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet with the leftover garlic-infused oil, introduce the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach and continue cooking until it wilts, which should take about 1 minute.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring the mixture to a light simmer, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese along with the Italian seasoning. Mix well until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring gently to combine with the sauce. Allow everything to heat through for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the shrimp is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
  • Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
  • If desired, serve the creamy shrimp over a bed of freshly cooked pasta such as linguine or fettuccine. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch and a pop of color.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, twirl the pasta onto plates with a fork, then spoon the creamy shrimp mixture over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves for a burst of color.
Keyword creamy, Italian, pasta, shrimp