Description
This Irresistible Creamy Tuscan Butter Shrimp is a rich and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a decadent sauce of butter, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner, this recipe combines tender seafood with vibrant Italian-inspired ingredients for a comforting and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Cooking Fats
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Dairy and Seasonings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat fats: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat to create a rich base for cooking the shrimp and enhancing the flavors.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, releasing the aromatic flavor essential for the dish.
- Cook shrimp: Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2 minutes, incorporating fresh and tangy elements into the dish.
- Add heavy cream and simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture, simmering for about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely and combines with the sauce, enriching it with a savory depth.
- Season: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately for the best experience of this luscious Tuscan butter shrimp.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor; frozen shrimp can be used but thaw completely before cooking.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are not available, roasted red peppers can be used as a substitute.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to make it a full meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
