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This creamy garlic Tuscan shrimp recipe with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and basil is rich, decadent, and ready in about 15 minutes!
You may also like my Marry Me Shrimp Pasta or this Easy Shrimp Scampi recipe.
Why you’ll love it
This creamy Tuscan shrimp recipe is one of those dinners that makes it seem like you tried very hard, but the minimal time and effort involved makes it perfect for weeknights! It’s super easy, quick, and really, really tasty and impressive.
The classic flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and basil are the ideal bright contrast to the cream, and it all just goes so well together. And there’s plenty of garlic. Nobody can say no to this restaurant-quality shrimp recipe whenever we serve it for easy entertaining.
What you’ll need
- Shrimp – I used frozen ones that are deveined and already peeled for convenience
- Butter and flour – to make a quick roux that’ll thicken up the sauce
- Garlic – we’re pretty generous here, but add even more if you like! This garlic press makes mincing effortless without having to peel the cloves.
- Heavy cream – to make the sauce luxurious. I wouldn’t sub it out for anything else.
- Lemon juice – for a little bit of acidity and brightness
- Italian seasoning – it’s a versatile blend of dried herbs in a single jar to jazz up so many dishes
- Sun-dried tomatoes – one of our star components that plays so well with the basil
- Spinach and basil – for a burst of freshness, texture, and flavor
Pro tip
I don’t recommend subbing the cream for something like half-and-half of milk since the sauce may curdle and it’ll end up thinner and less rich. You’d have to add more flour for the sauce to thicken properly as well.
How to make Tuscan shrimp
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the flour to make a roux, followed by the garlic. Stir in the cream, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes and simmer.
Add in the shrimp, and cook until they’re pink and cooked through and the sauce has thickened up a bit. Stir in the spinach and basil and simmer until wilted. Season with salt & pepper and serve immediately. Top with a squeeze of lemon and fresh parmesan if desired.
Shrimp tips for success
- I used 31-40 count size shrimp in this Tuscan garlic butter shrimp recipe. Technically these are considered large shrimp, but to me they’re more of a medium size when compared to some of the REALLY large shrimp out there. Anyway, any medium-to-large shrimp would work. To thaw, just run under cool water.
- Unless you live right by the ocean, frozen shrimp are actually a great choice because the ones at the seafood counter are usually just thawed anyway and less fresh when you get them.
- I prefer using raw shrimp in 99% of recipes, including this one, because they cook very fast and double-cooking can lead to rubbery shrimp. You could use already cooked shrimp, but be sure to just heat them through!
- I don’t take the tails off the shrimp (mostly for the photos to add some contrast), but feel free to take them off if you prefer.
Substitutions and variations
- Want to try this recipe with chicken? You will love my Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe.
- If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you could use a chopped fresh tomato, but then it will no longer be that iconic Tuscan flavor combo. Also, the sauce may end up thinner, but you’re welcome to try it that way.
- I highly suggest using fresh spinach, but in a pinch you can use frozen as long as you thaw it and thoroughly squeeze out all the excess water. But do try to get your hands on the fresh variety for the full experience!
How to serve Tuscan shrimp
- They’re great served over pasta, rice, or Mashed Potatoes.
- You can also just eat this recipe as-is and grab a big slice of crusty bread for all that delicious sauce! Or go all out and have a slice of Garlic Bread.
- Pair it with a side salad. Try mixed greens with this Easy Italian Dressing.
Leftovers and storage
- These creamy Tuscan shrimp will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Make sure you don’t leave them sitting out for too long before refrigerating leftovers, though.
- I wouldn’t recommend freezing this since the cream sauce won’t hold up well.
- To reheat, warm up slowly in a small saucepan over a low heat so the sauce doesn’t separate, stirring occasionally.
Talk to me in the comments below if you made this easy Tuscan shrimp! You can also tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram.
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (I used 31-40 count size) thawed & peeled
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped or julienned
- 1-2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Handful fresh basil cut into thin strips
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring until smooth.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Stir in the cream, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 2 minutes. Reduce heat if it’s bubbling too much.
- Add the shrimp and cook for around 5 minutes or until they’re cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened, taking care not to overcook them.
- Add the spinach and basil and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt & pepper as needed. Serve immediately. I like to squeeze extra lemon juice over top when serving (up to you). You could also grate some fresh parmesan over top if you wish.
Notes
- I used sun-dried tomatoes that were packed in oil (I drained the oil). Feel free to use more or less than suggested.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
© Salt & Lavender Inc. Content and photographs are copyrighted. Sharing this blog post is much appreciated, but copying and pasting full recipes without authorization to social media is strictly prohibited.
This recipe was originally published on November 29, 2017. It’s been updated with new photos and better instructions but is the same great recipe!
Delicious. I’d be happy to be served this in a restaurant. It thickened up quite a lot before I put the shrimps in, so I thinned with a little white wine. The lemon juice squeezed over before eating really lifts it Thank you!
You’re welcome, Elsa!! Thanks for the compliment!
Oh my Damn this is so good!!!
Thank you! 😀 Glad you enjoyed it!
Delicious! Will be making this a favorite.
Fantastic!! 🙂
Excellent recipe. I use all fresh ingredients (spinach, shrimp, garlic and lemons) and added some sliced mushrooms too. Cooked the shrimp separately in olive oil and Italian spices. Added them to the top of the plate. Liked that flavor and presentation. Definitely a dish to make again. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it, Nancy!
Definitely a fan of this recipe. Ive tried others, Natasha yours wins. Thank you for sharing. This is now one of my semi regular meals.
Haha thank you! 😀
This is a keeper. Twice a month at least. We cut the calories by substituting 2% milk and whipped cream cheese for the heavy cream.
So glad you enjoy it, Kelley! Thanks for the tips – they will help other readers who are unsure about making subs.
Used frozen spinach, used a couple tablespoons of tomato paste instead of sun dried tomatoes. It was so thick (probably added too much flour) so I added about a half cup or more of chicken stock. Loved it!
Topped with freshly grated parm.
So happy you enjoyed it, Paula! Can’t go wrong with fresh parm! 🙂
This was easy and so fast to make. Followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect.
Wonderful! 🙂 Thanks, Janet!
This is so easy and so delicious. It’s become a favorite in my household. I added crushed red pepper for a little spice and if you like spice I’d definitely recommend the addition. I will say I’ve tried this with fresh basil and in a pinch with dried basil- you CAN taste the difference was still delicious but fresh basil was so much better!
Thank you!! 🙂
Loved the recipe! Only thing I added was some red pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp. Ended up not being enough as I couldn’t taste it at all. I will certainly be making again. Thank you!
So glad it was a hit, Sarah!! You’re welcome!