Name: Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp – raw, peeled and deveined (tails on or off); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped; 7 oz jar sun dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped; 1 3/4 cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, loosely packed; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; Basil for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 14 reviews

If you’re hunting down a dish that’s rich, comforting, and downright irresistible, you’ve got to try this Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It’s one of those meals I pull together when I want something impressive but totally doable — creamy sauce, garlicky, garlicky shrimp, and a touch of sun-dried tomato magic. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe on speed dial.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect balance of flavors: The garlicky shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce sing in harmony without overpowering each other.
Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a go-to for busy weeknights that still call for a special touch.
Versatile serving options: Whether it’s pasta, orzo, or even mashed potatoes, this dish adapts beautifully.
Creamy, indulgent texture: The heavy cream and Parmesan melt together to create a luscious sauce that wraps every bite in comfort.

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp, garlic shrimp recipes, Tuscan shrimp skillet, easy seafood dinner, creamy shrimp pasta - A creamy dish in a white pan shows many plump shrimp covered in a thick light beige sauce with small red and black specks. Bright green spinach leaves are mixed throughout, adding fresh color and soft texture. There are also pieces of reddish sun-dried tomatoes scattered around, giving a burst of deeper red color within the sauce. The sauce looks smooth and rich, filling the pan almost to the edge with some lighter creamy swirls near the sides. A wooden spoon is partially visible on the right side, resting in the sauce against the white pan. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp Recipe gets its magic from simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other perfectly. When shopping, I always pick peeled and deveined shrimp — it saves so much time and fuss.

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp, garlic shrimp recipes, Tuscan shrimp skillet, easy seafood dinner, creamy shrimp pasta - Flat lay of raw peeled shrimp with tails on, a small diced onion, chopped garlic cloves, roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh loosely packed spinach leaves, a small pile of grated parmesan cheese, and bright green fresh basil leaves beautifully arranged in vibrant colors and textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Shrimp: I prefer medium-sized, peeled and deveined for ease and tenderness; tails on if you want extra flavor, tails off if you want to skip that step while eating.
Salt & pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the shrimp shine without competing with the sauce.
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO): Adds a subtle fruity richness to sear shrimp and sauté vegetables; I always use a good quality EVOO here.
Onion: Adds a sweet undertone and soft texture contrasting the shrimp’s bite.
Garlic: Essential for that signature garlicky punch; freshly chopped is best for aroma and flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes: The secret star! Their concentrated, slightly tangy flavor brightens the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates the heavenly, velvety base that wraps the whole dish with indulgence.
Fresh spinach: Adds a fresh, vibrant green color and mild earthiness without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Gives the sauce a nutty depth and helps it thicken; freshly grated always wins here.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves for garnish add that final, fragrant touch that lifts the entire dish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One thing I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Over time, I’ve tweaked it based on what’s in my fridge or my mood — and you can too.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap spinach for kale or arugula for a peppery twist. It adds fun texture and flavor changes without much extra effort.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic and onions gives the sauce a nice, gentle heat that really livens things up.
Dairy-free option: I’ve played with coconut cream instead of heavy cream — it’s a different vibe but still creamy and tasty, perfect for those avoiding dairy.
Protein swap: If you’re not into shrimp, chicken breast strips or scallops work surprisingly well with this sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

First things first: season your peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat — wait until it’s hot but not smoking. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear them just until they start turning pink and get a bit of golden crust, about 1-2 minutes per side. Don’t overcook here because they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Once ready, take them out and set aside so they don’t get rubbery.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and chopped garlic. I like to stir them gently for about 3-4 minutes until they soften, turn translucent, and release their amazing fragrance. This step builds the flavor base — don’t rush it or skip it!

Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Cream

Next up, add the roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Stir for a minute to let those intense flavors warm up. Then pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together. This is when the magic starts to come together, with the creamy base mingling beautifully with those savory tomato bits.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Add Cheese

Toss in the fresh spinach leaves — they’ll look like a lot, but they quickly shrink down as they cook. Stir them into the sauce until they soften. Then sprinkle in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently so it melts into the cream and thickens the sauce nicely. This step brings richness and just the right amount of cheesy bite.

Step 5: Return the Shrimp and Simmer

Finally, add the shrimp back into the skillet and stir everything to coat them well in that luscious sauce. Let it simmer on low for a few minutes until the sauce thickens a bit more and the shrimp are fully cooked through (opaque and firm). It’s tempting to rush, but giving it this time really develops the flavors and texture.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve your creamy Tuscan garlic shrimp over your favorite base — pasta, orzo, couscous, or even mashed potatoes all soak up this sauce beautifully. Scatter fresh chopped basil leaves on top for a fresh, fragrant finish and dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Don’t overcook shrimp: They cook fast, so sear them just until pink—the sauce will finish them off without turning them rubbery.
Use good quality cream: Heavy cream with around 36% fat gives the ideal silky texture and richness.
Fresh Parmesan rocks: Always grab fresh Parm, not pre-grated powder, for that melty, flavorful punch.
Watch your heat: Medium heat for sautéing keeps garlic and onions from burning, which would add bitterness.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp, garlic shrimp recipes, Tuscan shrimp skillet, easy seafood dinner, creamy shrimp pasta - The dish shows one white bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is smooth creamy mashed potatoes in pale yellow, the middle layer is a light beige creamy sauce with visible chunks of shrimp and pieces of spinach with dark green leaves, and the top layer features shrimp in the sauce, with some spinach leaves and bits of sun-dried tomatoes adding dark red spots. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface next to a small white bowl with chopped green herbs, a glass of light amber drink casting soft shadows, and part of a pan containing more creamy shrimp sauce. A fork lies nearby on the surface, and a woman’s hand is not directly visible but implied by the close-up setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I keep it simple with fresh chopped basil — it’s bright, slightly sweet, and adds a beautiful pop of green that contrasts the creamy pink shrimp. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat or a few lemon wedges on the side if I want a citrusy zing to cut through the richness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are always something that soaks up the sauce well. Creamy mashed potatoes, garlic buttered pasta, or fluffy couscous are perfect. For a vegetable, I like roasted asparagus or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I sometimes serve this dish in mini cast-iron skillets or over a bed of polenta for a fancy twist. You can also pour the sauce and shrimp over toasted ciabatta or garlic bread for a hearty open-faced shrimp toast. It’s always a hit when garnished with microgreens or a drizzle of good olive oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge — it keeps well for up to 2 days. Because the sauce is cream-based, make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent separation.

Freezing

Freezing cream-based shrimp dishes can be tricky because the texture might change. I’ve done it once or twice by freezing the shrimp and sauce separately, but honestly, it’s best fresh. If you must freeze, use airtight containers and thaw gently overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce seems too thick or starts to separate, a splash of milk or cream helps bring it back together. Avoid the microwave if possible — it can toughen the shrimp and split the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the shrimp and pat them dry to remove any excess water before cooking. This helps get a nice sear on the shrimp and prevents watery sauce.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can offer a slightly sweet, smoky flavor. Alternatively, you can use fresh diced tomatoes, but the sauce won’t have quite the same depth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

The dish itself is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice, potatoes, or gluten-free pasta. Always double-check your ingredients, especially the sun-dried tomatoes, to ensure no gluten sneaks in.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free creamy version. The texture and flavor will be different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp Recipe is my go-to whenever I want comfort food that feels a little fancy without the fuss. It’s rich and flavorful, but quick enough to make on a busy weeknight. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do — it’s the kind of dish you want to share with family, friends, or just keep all to yourself on a cozy night in. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your recipe rotation!