This Tuscan Shrimp Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Juicy shrimp are sautéed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, then tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a restaurant-style meal at home, ready in just 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
- Creamy & Comforting: Rich Parmesan cream sauce clings to every bite of pasta.
- Customizable: Add extra veggies, spice it up, or swap shrimp for chicken or mushrooms.
- One-Pot Flavor: Minimal cleanup with maximum taste.
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Shrimp:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add Spinach & Shrimp
Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine.
5. Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss with the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
6. Serve & Garnish
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Make It Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or artichokes.
- Pesto Flavor: Stir in 2 tbsp basil pesto for extra Italian flair.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread.
- Add a fresh green salad on the side.
- Drizzle with olive oil for a restaurant-style finish.
Prep Tip: For a make-ahead meal, cook the shrimp and sauce separately, then toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
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