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Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy Garlic Spinach Dinner

creamy tuscan shrimp pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy Tuscan shrimp pasta with garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine or linguine recommended)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh basil leaves, torn; extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside on a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir often for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic is golden—do not let it burn.
  4. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. If sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen.
  5. Toss in 2 cups fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle in 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes if using, plus salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well.
  6. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add drained pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly with sauce and distribute shrimp and spinach. Heat through for another minute.
  7. Plate the creamy Tuscan shrimp pasta immediately. Garnish with torn fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Keep an eye on the garlic to avoid burning. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Cook shrimp in batches if needed to avoid steaming. Use gentle heat when simmering cream to prevent breaking. Spinach should be wilted but still vibrant green. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with chickpea or brown rice noodles. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Tuscan shrimp pasta, garlic shrimp pasta, spinach pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, creamy pasta sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, quick shrimp recipe