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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh spinach leaves - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To make the Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Skillet, gather your main ingredients first. The shrimp should be large, peeled, and deveined. The olive oil adds a nice flavor during cooking, while minced garlic gives a rich aroma. Fresh cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color to the dish. Next, focus on the creamy sauce. Heavy cream creates the base, and Parmesan cheese adds depth. The Italian seasoning blend gives a classic touch. Make sure to have salt and pepper on hand to season the dish perfectly. For garnish, fresh spinach leaves add a burst of green. They also add nutrients to the meal. Finally, fresh basil leaves will elevate the dish's look and taste. The bright green color looks stunning on the plate, and the flavor is refreshing. This combination of ingredients makes for a delightful meal. Each part plays a role in creating a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Make sure to season the shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should become pink and opaque. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside on a plate. In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add 3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to be fragrant and golden, but not burnt. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir and sauté for 2-3 minutes. This allows the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. Now, lower the stove temperature. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. This step helps develop rich flavors. Gradually add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts, transforming the sauce into a rich and creamy delight. Incorporate 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves into the sauce. Stir until they wilt. Then, return the cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Mix everything gently and let it cook for another 2 minutes to warm through. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor before serving. - To sauté shrimp well, keep the heat at medium. This cooks the shrimp evenly. - Dry the shrimp with a paper towel. This helps them sear better and adds flavor. - Season the shrimp with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances their taste. - Avoid burning the garlic. Sauté it just until it turns golden and fragrant. - For a creamy texture, add the heavy cream slowly. Stir it to blend well. - Use fresh tomatoes and spinach for the best flavor. They make the dish bright and tasty. - Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated cheese. It adds a rich taste. - Taste the sauce as you cook. Adjust the seasoning for a perfect balance. - Serve this dish over pasta for a filling meal. The sauce clings to the noodles nicely. - Crusty bread is great for soaking up the creamy sauce. It adds a nice crunch. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. It also adds a lovely aroma. - A drizzle of extra olive oil on top can enhance the dish’s look and flavor. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Whenever possible, use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can be a good alternative, but be sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Garlic Perfection: To prevent garlic from burning, always sauté it over medium heat and monitor closely. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the dish. Creme de la Creme: For a richer sauce, consider using mascarpone cheese along with Parmesan. It will elevate the creaminess and add a delightful flavor. Serve It Right: Pair this dish with a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy flavors and enhance your dining experience. {{image_4}} You can switch up the shrimp for other seafood like scallops or fish. This gives you a fresh taste. If you want a lighter dish, use zucchini or mushrooms instead of shrimp. These veggies soak up the sauce well and add great flavor. To boost the flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also make a big difference. For cheese options, use feta or mozzarella instead of Parmesan. Each cheese brings a unique taste to your dish. If you need a gluten-free meal, serve it over gluten-free pasta or rice. You can also use cornstarch as a thickener if needed. For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and the cheese for a nut-based cheese. This keeps the dish creamy and rich without dairy. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. The Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Skillet will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to label your container with the date for easy tracking. You can freeze the Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Skillet if you want to save it for later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Warm it on the stove over low heat. This helps keep the shrimp tender and the sauce creamy. Cooking in advance makes meals quick and easy. You can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately for the best texture. Pair the dish with prepped sides like rice or steamed veggies. This way, you can enjoy a balanced meal without the fuss on busy nights. Shrimp cooks fast. Look for a pink color and a firm texture. When shrimp turns opaque, it's done. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Avoid overcooking, as it can become rubbery. For best results, use fresh shrimp when possible. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and sauce, then store them separately. When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp and sauce together. This keeps the shrimp tender. Add fresh spinach just before serving for the best taste. You can serve Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Skillet with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Cooked pasta, like fettuccine or orzo - Crusty bread for dipping - Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans - A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette These sides enhance the flavors and make for a complete meal. Enjoy your cooking! This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Skillet combines rich flavors with easy steps. You start with fresh ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and tomatoes. Then, you create a creamy sauce that brings it all together. Remember, avoid burning garlic and choose fresh ingredients for the best taste. You can personalize this dish with different seafood or veggies. Lastly, store your leftovers properly for future meals. Enjoy your cooking adventure and impress everyone with this tasty dish!

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Skillet

A delicious and creamy shrimp dish with cherry tomatoes and spinach, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound 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 leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté them for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
  • Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and the Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices, enhancing the flavor.
  • Lower the stove temperature slightly and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until well combined. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, which will help develop the flavors.
  • Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts completely and the sauce transforms into a rich and creamy texture.
  • Incorporate the fresh spinach leaves into the sauce, stirring until they wilt, then return the previously cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Gently mix everything together and allow it to cook for another 2 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

Serve this creamy shrimp dish over a bed of pasta or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keyword creamy, Italian, quick meal, shrimp, skillet