Zesty Tuscan Shrimp Recipe: A Splash of Italian Sunshine

Succulent shrimp dance in a zesty Tuscan-inspired sauce that whispers of sun-drenched Italian coastlines.

Rich, creamy flavors blend seamlessly with plump, tender seafood in this tantalizing Tuscan shrimp recipe.

Garlic and herbs weave their magic, creating a dish that sings with Mediterranean warmth.

Perfectly seasoned and impossibly simple, this meal promises restaurant-quality elegance right from your kitchen.

Each bite transports you to a charming trattoria overlooking rolling Tuscan hills.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same after you experience this mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 580 kcal

Servings: 4

Tuscan Shrimp Ingredient Checklist with Spinach and More

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances the seafood's natural taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and sharp undertone to complement the shrimp.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces deep, smoky complexity and beautiful rustic color to the dish.

• Shrimp: Fresh, succulent protein that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides tender texture.

• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin oil provides rich, smooth cooking medium with heart-healthy benefits.

• Spinach: Vibrant green vegetable that adds nutritional density and earthy undertones.
• Artichokes: Tender, slightly tangy vegetable that brings Mediterranean elegance to the dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, sweet-tart ingredient that delivers intense, robust flavor notes.

Tools for Cooking Tuscan Shrimp with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Large skillet: Heavy-bottomed pan for searing shrimp and creating sauce.
• Cutting board: Surface for prepping ingredients safely.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for chopping and slicing vegetables.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Tool for stirring and moving ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping and removing shrimp from hot skillet.

Make Tuscan Shrimp with Spinach in Simple Steps

• Spice Up the Shrimp

Grab your shrimp and give them a flavor explosion by generously coating them with a zesty blend of salt, pepper, and smoky paprika. Make sure each little seafood gem gets some love from the seasoning.

• Fire Up the Skillet

Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and crank up the heat to medium-high. Wait until the oil shimmers with that perfect cooking energy.

• Sear to Perfection

Drop those seasoned shrimp into the hot skillet and let them dance for about 2 minutes on each side. Watch for that beautiful pink color and golden edges that scream deliciousness. Once they’re looking stunning, scoop them out and set them aside on a waiting plate.

• Build the Flavor Base

In the same sizzling skillet, toss in minced garlic and let it become fragrant. Add chopped artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring to capture all those incredible pan flavors.

• Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in some heavy cream and let it bubble gently. Sprinkle in fresh spinach and let it wilt into the luxurious sauce. The greens will add a vibrant touch and incredible nutrition.

• Reunite the Shrimp

Slide those perfectly seared shrimp back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy, veggie-packed sauce. Give everything a gentle stir to heat through and marry the flavors.

• Finish and Serve

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and brightness. Serve immediately in warm bowls, ready to transport your taste buds to Tuscany.

Smart Tips for a Flavorful Tuscan Shrimp Dish

• Perfectly Tender Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep ingredients in advance and store separately in the refrigerator for a quick 15-minute meal on busy weeknights.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the delicious Tuscan flavors intact.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute shrimp with white beans or grilled tofu chunks to create a plant-based alternative that preserves the dish's Mediterranean essence.

How to Serve Tuscan Shrimp with Elegance

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Serve over creamy polenta or soft risotto to capture the rich Tuscan-inspired sauce and provide a luxurious base for the seasoned shrimp.
• Salad Companion: Pair with a crisp arugula salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette to balance the robust, savory flavors of the shrimp and complement the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Bread Dipping Delight: Accompany with warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic crostini to soak up the delicious pan juices and add a delightful textural contrast to the tender shrimp.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match with a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, which will enhance the seafood's delicate flavor and cut through the dish's richness.

Keeping Leftover Tuscan Shrimp Fresh

• Quick Refrigeration Tactics: Store cooked shrimp in airtight containers within 2 hours of preparation, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Strategy: Place cooled shrimp in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months without compromising texture or flavor.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm leftover shrimp in a skillet with a splash of olive oil over low heat, preventing rubbery texture and maintaining delicate taste.
• Smart Meal Prep Approach: Separate shrimp, spinach, and artichoke components before storing to maintain individual ingredient quality and prevent soggy textures during refrigeration.

Vibrant Tuscan Shrimp

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Tuscan shrimp with spinach, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors in one skillet. Quick pan-seared shrimp nestled with robust ingredients create an elegant meal you can enjoy in minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 3 tbsps butter
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered (canned or jarred, drained)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (drained if packed in oil)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (or more, as it wilts down!)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra depth)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Lavishly coat shrimp with salt, black pepper, and smoky paprika, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution across each morsel.
2. Skillet Preheating: Heat olive oil in a generous skillet over medium-high flame until the surface radiates an intense, shimmering warmth.
3. Shrimp Searing: Arrange seasoned shrimp in a single, uncrowded layer, allowing each piece to caramelize and develop rich golden edges, cooking approximately two minutes per side until they transform into a delicate pink hue.
4. Protein Preservation: Relocate perfectly seared shrimp to a separate plate, maintaining their succulent temperature and pristine texture for subsequent culinary assembly.
5. Aromatic Foundation: Reduce skillet heat and introduce minced garlic, creating a fragrant base that will harmonize with forthcoming ingredients like spinach, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes.
6. Vegetable Integration: Gently fold spinach, artichoke hearts, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet, allowing them to meld and release their distinctive Mediterranean essence.
7. Creamy Transformation: Pour heavy cream and sprinkle parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to create a luxurious, velvety sauce that envelops all components.
8. Final Fusion: Return seared shrimp to the skillet, gently nestling them within the creamy vegetable medley, ensuring every element is thoroughly heated and perfectly harmonized.
9. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a delicate sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and optional red pepper flakes, presenting a visually stunning and flavor-packed Tuscan-inspired dish.

Notes

• Maximize Flavor Coating: Thoroughly coat shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring even distribution for a robust taste profile.
• Perfect Searing Technique: Use a spacious skillet with medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding to achieve ideal caramelization and golden edges.
• Watch Cooking Time Carefully: Cook shrimp for exactly two minutes per side, focusing on the delicate pink color as a doneness indicator.
• Preserve Shrimp Texture: Remove shrimp immediately when cooked and transfer to a warm plate to maintain tenderness and prevent overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 499
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 200mg