Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

Tuscan Shrimp Pasta is a rich and savory dish featuring tender shrimp tossed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, served over your favorite pasta. It’s a quick, elegant meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—ready in about 20 minutes
• Packed with bold, Tuscan-inspired flavors
• A creamy, luxurious sauce with garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes
• Customizable with your favorite pasta or low-carb alternatives
• One-pan convenience for easy cleanup
• Great for weeknight dinners or date nights
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Easily adapted to gluten-free or dairy-free diets
• Elegant enough for entertaining
• Leftovers reheat beautifully

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz pasta (linguine, penne, fettuccine)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienned)
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, extra Parmesan

directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
2. While pasta cooks, heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook 2 minutes per side or until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add sun-dried tomatoes and cook another minute.
4. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan and lemon juice, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Return shrimp to the pan and toss.
6. Combine with cooked pasta and reserved water as needed to thin the sauce.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and omit Parmesan
• Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts
• White wine version: Deglaze with ¼ cup white wine before adding cream
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne
• Protein boost: Add scallops or chicken with the shrimp
• Cheesier: Mix in cream cheese or more Parmesan for a thicker sauce
• Herby twist: Add fresh basil or thyme just before serving

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce can separate and shrimp may become rubbery.

FAQs

What type of shrimp works best?

Medium or large shrimp (31-40 count) are ideal—they cook quickly and stay juicy.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

For richness, yes, but you can substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and thickener for a lighter sauce.

Can I make this ahead?

You can cook the sauce and shrimp ahead, then reheat and toss with pasta just before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not unless you use gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What other protein can I use?

Chicken breast, scallops, or salmon also work great in this creamy sauce.

Can I skip the sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, but they add a signature tang. Try cherry tomatoes as a substitute.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat medium and avoid boiling once the cream is added.

Does this taste good without Parmesan?

Yes, but Parmesan adds umami and thickness. Nutritional yeast is a good vegan alternative.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely—any pasta works, though thicker shapes like fettuccine or penne hold the sauce well.

Conclusion

Tuscan Shrimp Pasta brings the flavors of Italy to your table in just 20 minutes. With its creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, juicy shrimp, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a versatile and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend meal, this dish delivers every time.

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