Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food that feels like a fancy restaurant dish but comes together in just 30 minutes.

This recipe was born from a rainy evening craving for something cozy and indulgent, yet still balanced.

I had leftover shrimp and a handful of pantry staples like pasta and sun-dried tomatoes.

With a splash of cream and a few tweaks, the first forkful took me straight to the flavors of Tuscany.

It became an instant hit at the dinner table, and I knew this was one to share with you.

Why you’ll love this

1. Creamy & Flavor-Packed: Rich garlic parmesan sauce with bold sun-dried tomato and herb notes.
2. Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Restaurant Quality at Home: Tastes gourmet without the hefty bill.
4. Customizable: Swap the pasta or add extra veggies for your personal touch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Cuisines: Italian-American
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: $18-$22 USD

Equipment:

• Large skillet
• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Tongs or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of ½ lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Cheese & Spinach: Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Toss in spinach and let it wilt for a minute or two.
5. Combine Everything: Return shrimp to the pan, add cooked pasta, and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Finish & Serve: Add a squeeze of lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (Approximate)

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh (or thawed) large shrimp make a big flavor difference.
2. Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Once they turn pink and curl, remove them quickly to keep them juicy.
3. Control Creaminess: Add pasta water gradually to reach your perfect sauce texture.
4. Grate Your Own Cheese: It melts better and enhances the creamy texture without clumping.

Print Pin

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food that feels like a fancy restaurant dish but comes together in just 30 minutes.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 540kcal

Cost $18-$22

Ingredients

• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
• Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
• Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Add Cheese & Spinach: Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Toss in spinach and let it wilt for a minute or two.
• Combine Everything: Return shrimp to the pan, add cooked pasta, and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
• Finish & Serve: Add a squeeze of lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

1. Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh (or thawed) large shrimp make a big flavor difference.
2. Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Once they turn pink and curl, remove them quickly to keep them juicy.
3. Control Creaminess: Add pasta water gradually to reach your perfect sauce texture.
4. Grate Your Own Cheese: It melts better and enhances the creamy texture without clumping.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version, though the texture may be slightly different.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese substitute, though the flavor will have a slight coconut note.

What other veggies can I add?
Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini are great additions to bulk up the meal and add more nutrients.

Thank you for stopping by!

I hope you enjoy this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta as much as we do.

Whether it’s for a date night or just a craving for comfort, this dish never disappoints.

Happy cooking and sending delicious wishes your way!