Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

$- 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 baby spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish You can swap some ingredients if needed. For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you prefer a vegan version, try using plant-based cream and tofu instead of shrimp. For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heat the Oil: Start by placing a large skillet on medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Wait until it shimmers. This step takes about 1 minute. 2. Cook the Shrimp: Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch for the shrimp to turn pink and curl slightly. That means they are done. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside. 3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Stir often for about 2 minutes. Look for the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. 4. Add Spinach: Toss in 1 cup of fresh baby spinach next. Cook for another minute. Stir occasionally until the spinach wilts. This adds lovely color and nutrition to your dish. 5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Then, add ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir well until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently. This step takes about 3 to 4 minutes. 6. Combine the Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir to coat the shrimp in the sauce. Heat for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning if you like with more salt or pepper. 7. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Top the dish with fresh basil leaves for garnish. Serve it hot over rice or pasta, and enjoy your meal! - Sautéing techniques for shrimp: Start with a hot skillet. Heat your olive oil until it shimmers. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Don't crowd the pan; this helps them cook evenly. Sauté for just 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Remove them quickly to avoid overcooking. - Tips for achieving the perfect creamy sauce: Use heavy cream for richness. Stir in the Parmesan slowly to let it melt fully. Keep the heat low once you add the cream. This prevents it from curdling. Let the sauce simmer gently to enhance the flavors. - Seasoning adjustments based on personal preference: Always taste your sauce! If you like it spicier, add red pepper flakes. Want more herbs? Fresh parsley or thyme can boost flavor. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste. Cooking is all about personal touches! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest shrimp and vegetables for the best flavor and texture. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in the overall quality of the dish. Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth. This will still give you a delicious flavor without being too rich. Perfect Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as necessary. A touch more salt or pepper can elevate the entire dish, so don’t skip this step! Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. These sides can balance the richness of the creamy sauce and enhance the meal experience. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of Creamy Tuscan Shrimp by adding spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a warm kick. Fresh parsley or oregano can add a nice touch too. If you want to switch proteins, consider chicken or salmon. Chicken breast works well if you sauté it first. Salmon adds a rich flavor that pairs great with the cream sauce. For a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the shrimp with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to keep it creamy and rich. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute. To keep your Creamy Tuscan Shrimp fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container. They last about 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream to restore the sauce's richness. - Freezing: You can freeze this dish, but be aware that the texture may change. The sauce may separate when thawed. To freeze, place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It lasts up to 3 months. - Containers: Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for storage. They seal tightly and keep the shrimp safe. Avoid metal containers as they may react with the cream. Following these storage tips helps ensure your Creamy Tuscan Shrimp remains delicious and safe to enjoy later. To add heat, try these options: - Mix in red pepper flakes while cooking. - Add sliced jalapeños for a fresh kick. - Stir in hot sauce to your taste. These additions will give your dish a nice spicy twist. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. - Place them in cold water for quick thawing. - Once thawed, pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely in the pan. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp pairs well with many sides: - Fluffy white rice absorbs the sauce well. - Pasta, like fettuccine or penne, complements the dish. - A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. These options create a balanced and satisfying meal. In this blog post, I covered the essential ingredients and how to prepare them for your dish. You learned step-by-step instructions for a delicious meal, plus tips for perfecting the sauce and cooking shrimp. I provided flavor variations and recommended storage methods for leftovers. Remember, cooking is all about creativity and personal taste. Use these guidelines to make the dish your own. Enjoy experimenting and savoring every bite!$

A delicious and creamy shrimp dish with Tuscan flavors, featuring garlic, spinach, and tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

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 baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
to taste Salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn a vibrant pink color and curl slightly. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the finely minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for approximately 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
Incorporate the fresh baby spinach into the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts beautifully.
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, then add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning blend. Stir everything together until the cheese dissolves, creating a luscious creamy sauce. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together.
Once the sauce is creamy, return the sautéed shrimp to the skillet. Carefully mix to coat the shrimp in the sauce and heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if necessary.
Remove the skillet from the heat and generously garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Serve over rice or pasta and garnish with basil and extra Parmesan.

Keyword creamy, pasta, quick meal, shrimp, Tuscan