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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup baby spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The main ingredients create a tasty dish. Shrimp brings protein and flavor. Olive oil adds richness. Garlic gives a lovely aroma. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Baby spinach provides freshness and nutrients. For the creamy sauce, you need heavy cream. Grated Parmesan cheese thickens and flavors the sauce. Italian seasoning blends herbs for extra taste. Salt and pepper enhance all flavors. Fresh basil leaves make a bright garnish. With these ingredients, you can make a delicious meal in no time! {{ingredient_image_1}} How to perfectly cook shrimp To cook shrimp well, heat your olive oil on medium-high. When it shimmers, add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a bright pink color and firm texture. This shows they are done. Remove the shrimp from the skillet to prevent overcooking. Ensuring a smooth sauce texture To get a smooth sauce, make sure to stir the heavy cream slowly. After adding it to the skillet, let it simmer gently. Then, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. This helps to avoid lumps. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the cream. Suggested seasonings and herbs Italian seasoning works great, but feel free to add more. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can boost the flavor. A touch of lemon zest also brightens the dish. Adding spice or heat options If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. You can also use a dash of hot sauce for a different kick. Best ways to plate the dish For a stunning plate, use a shallow bowl. Place the creamy shrimp in the center. Use a spoon to drizzle extra sauce around the edges. This adds a nice touch. Ideas for garnishing Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top. A slice of lemon on the side brightens the dish visually and adds flavor. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream. These options still bring a creamy texture but with less fat. For a lighter dish, Greek yogurt works well too. If you want to try different seafood, scallops and fish like salmon or tilapia fit nicely in this recipe. They add unique flavors and textures to the dish. Consider adding bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition. Mushrooms also blend well with the sauce. For seasonal variations, use asparagus in spring or butternut squash in fall. These vegetables bring fresh taste and crunch to your meal. Creamy Tuscan shrimp pairs wonderfully with pasta or rice. You can serve it over fettuccine for a classic touch. If you prefer something lighter, try it with quinoa or cauliflower rice. For creative side dishes, consider garlic bread or a fresh salad. These sides balance the rich flavors of the shrimp and sauce. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Use the freshest shrimp you can find for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slightly sweet smell. Customize the Cream: Feel free to add a splash of white wine before the cream for an extra layer of flavor. It pairs beautifully with the shrimp and tomatoes. Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, let the cream simmer a bit longer before adding the shrimp. This will help it reduce and become creamier. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano in place of Italian seasoning to customize the flavor profile to your liking. {{image_2}} To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Make sure to cool it down to room temperature before sealing. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat it, do so gently on low heat. Stir often to keep the sauce smooth. For best practices, keep the shrimp and sauce separate if you can. This helps keep the shrimp from getting too soft. If you have extra ingredients, such as tomatoes or spinach, store them separately. This way, they stay fresh longer. Can Creamy Tuscan Shrimp be frozen? Yes, but it’s best to freeze the sauce and shrimp separately. This helps with texture when thawing. Pour the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove all the air before sealing. Store shrimp in their own bag, too. When you are ready to eat, thaw everything overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm the sauce in a pan over low heat. Add the shrimp once the sauce is hot. Stir until everything is heated through. The expected longevity of the stored dish is about three days in the fridge. If frozen, the shrimp and sauce can last up to two months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you see any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to toss it out. - Each serving has about 400 calories. - Here is the macronutrient breakdown: - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 6g - Fat: 30g - This dish is not gluten-free due to the heavy cream. - You can make it dairy-free by using coconut cream. - Shrimp is low in calories but high in protein. - Spinach adds vitamins A and K, boosting nutrition. - Tomatoes offer antioxidants, which are good for health. This post guided you through making Creamy Tuscan Shrimp. We discussed key ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and cherry tomatoes, plus delicious tips for cooking and serving. You now have techniques to swap ingredients and enhance flavors, making this dish your own. In closing, this dish is not just a recipe; it's a canvas for creativity. Enjoy cooking and sharing this fantastic meal!

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

A delicious and creamy shrimp dish with Tuscan flavors, featuring garlic, spinach, and tomatoes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Toss in the cherry tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
  • Add the baby spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently mixing to coat them in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Allow the dish to simmer for 2-3 more minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Keyword creamy, dinner, pasta, shrimp, Tuscan