Creamy Tuscan Butter Shrimp Recipe

I absolutely love this Creamy Tuscan Butter Shrimp recipe because it combines rich, velvety cream sauce with the bright flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil – it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with something elegant without much fuss, this dish hits all the right notes.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the buttery garlic sauce enhances the tender shrimp, and the baby spinach adds a lovely freshness you might not expect. Trust me, once you make this Creamy Tuscan Butter Shrimp recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation for a fuss-free, flavorful meal.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Creamy Tuscan Butter Shrimp recipe come together to create a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors. Choosing fresh shrimp and quality sun-dried tomatoes really makes a difference in the final dish.

• Unsalted butter: This adds richness without extra salt; I always prefer unsalted for control over seasoning.
• Flour: Just a small amount to thicken the sauce gently without lumps.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives the sauce that fragrant punch that pre-minced just can’t match.
• Shrimp or prawns: I recommend medium-sized with tails on for flavor and easy handling.
• Heavy/whipping cream: This creates the luscious base for your sauce—don’t substitute with milk if you want that creamy texture.
• Lemon juice: Adds a bright note that cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Italian seasoning: A mix of dried herbs that brings depth without overpowering the shrimp.
• Sun-dried tomato strips in oil: They deliver concentrated sweetness and chewiness that make the sauce stand out.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and adds salty nuttiness.
• Fresh baby spinach: Adds color, texture, and a little earthy balance to all that creaminess.
• Fresh basil: Sliced into thin strips for a fragrant herb finish.
• Salt & pepper: To taste, but remember to season gradually.

Variations

I love tweaking this recipe depending on what I have on hand or dietary preferences, so feel free to make it your own. The base is so flexible, you can easily swap or add ingredients for a personalized touch.

• Try it with chicken: I’ve swapped shrimp for diced chicken breast when I needed a heartier option, and it worked great.
• Low-carb version: Using cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta keeps it light and keto-friendly.
• Add extra veggies: Mushrooms or bell peppers add an earthy sweetness that complements the sauce.
• Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives the dish a gentle heat that my spice-loving family adores.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Butter Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Create a Roux

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about a minute until it’s smooth and bubbly—this is your roux, which will thicken the sauce perfectly. Cooking the flour briefly prevents any raw taste and gives the sauce a lovely, velvety texture.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Build Flavor

Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic cooks fast but is worth watching closely because burnt garlic will turn bitter.

Step 3: Stir In Cream, Lemon, Seasonings, and Tomatoes

Now it’s time to pour in the heavy cream, add the splash of lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and the drained sun-dried tomato strips. Let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to combine the flavors and thicken slightly. If it starts bubbling too vigorously, lower the heat—you want a gentle simmer to keep it silky.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook the shrimp—it only takes a few minutes, and overcooked shrimp get rubbery and tough. The sauce will thicken a little as the shrimp cooks, so watch for that perfect consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan, Spinach, and Basil

Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, baby spinach, and fresh basil strips. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as you like—it’s always best to add salt gradually and adjust at the end.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Butter Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish this dish with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of thinly sliced basil leaves for brightness and aroma. If you like, a quick squeeze of lemon juice adds a zesty punch that really lifts the creaminess.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines served over a bed of buttery linguine or alongside a creamy risotto for a decadent meal. For lighter options, I often pair it with cauliflower rice or steamed asparagus to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting, I’ve plated the shrimp on crisp parmesan toasts or used hollowed-out mini bell peppers as edible bowls—both add a fun twist and let the sauce shine visually. Presentation really elevates the experience if you’re aiming to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Creamy Tuscan Butter Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat it within 3-4 days. Make sure to refrigerate promptly to keep the shrimp fresh and avoid any off flavors in the cream sauce.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my go-to because the cream sauce tends to separate after thawing, which affects the texture and look. If you do freeze it, set expectations that reheating may require stirring in a little cream or broth to bring it back together.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the sauce from breaking. Avoid the microwave if you can because it can cause uneven heating and a separated sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Butter Shrimp recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s reliably delicious, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make — perfect for when you want something special without a lot of stress. I hope you give it a try and see how the creamy sauce and vibrant herbs come together to make a dish that’s both elegant and homey. Once you taste that melt-in-your-mouth shrimp with the rich Tuscan flavors, I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home, too!

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