One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Easy Weeknight Meal

December 24, 2025November 4, 2025 by Chef Elliot

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 tablespoon butter

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 2 cups fresh spinach

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup chicken broth

– 1 cup penne pasta

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh basil for garnish

– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

To make One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp, gather these main ingredients. The shrimp gives it a nice texture. The cream adds richness, while the spinach and tomatoes offer freshness. This mix of flavors makes the dish vibrant and tasty.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

– Red pepper flakes for heat

– Lemon juice for brightness

– Capers for a briny kick

– Sun-dried tomatoes for depth

Adding optional ingredients can enhance your meal. Red pepper flakes can spice things up. Lemon juice brightens the flavors. Capers add a unique twist. Sun-dried tomatoes give a rich taste. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste.

Best Shrimp Options

– Fresh shrimp for the best flavor

– Frozen shrimp for convenience

– Wild-caught shrimp for sustainability

– Large shrimp for better presentation

For shrimp, fresh is best. It gives a great flavor and texture. If fresh shrimp is not available, frozen works well, too. Just make sure to thaw them first. Wild-caught shrimp is a great choice for eco-friendly cooking. Large shrimp also look more appealing on the plate. Choose what fits your needs and enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Gather all your ingredients. You will need:

– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 tablespoon butter

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 2 cups fresh spinach

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup chicken broth

– 1 cup penne pasta

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh basil for garnish

– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

2. Chop the garlic and halve the cherry tomatoes. This makes cooking easier.

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until you smell its strong flavor.

3. Now, add the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Then, remove the shrimp and set them aside.

4. In the same pot, add the cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften.

5. Stir in the spinach. Cook until it wilts, around 1-2 minutes.

6. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a simmer.

7. Add the penne pasta and Italian seasoning. Make sure it sinks into the broth. Cover and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check for al dente texture.

8. Once the pasta is cooked, turn the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream until everything blends well.

9. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pot. Mix gently until everything is heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Final Touches

1. Serve the shrimp hot.

2. Garnish with fresh basil and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.

3. Enjoy your delicious One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve Creaminess

To get that rich creaminess, use heavy cream. Start adding it after cooking the pasta. Stir it in gently until blended. This method keeps the sauce smooth and thick. If you want more flavor, try adding a bit of chicken broth before the cream. This helps balance the richness.

Perfecting Shrimp Texture

For tender shrimp, do not overcook them. Cook them just until they turn pink. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If you see they start curling tightly, they are done. Remove them from the pot early, as they will cook more when you add them back.

Cooking Pasta in One Pot

Cooking pasta in the same pot is key to this dish. After sautéing your shrimp and veggies, add the pasta directly to the pot. Pour in enough broth to cover it. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, which usually takes about 10 minutes. This keeps all the flavors together and makes cleanup easy.

Variations

Vegetarian Adaptation

You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping shrimp for mushrooms or zucchini. Use 1 pound of sliced mushrooms or diced zucchini. Cook them as you would the shrimp. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty. You still get that rich flavor from the garlic and cream. Add some extra veggies like bell peppers or asparagus if you like. They add great color and taste.

Seafood Mix Alternative

If you want a seafood mix, combine shrimp with other seafood. Use 1/2 pound of shrimp, 1/2 pound of scallops, and 1/2 pound of mussels. Cook them in the same way as the shrimp. This gives you a mix of flavors and textures. The cream sauce works well with all seafood. Just be sure to check the cooking times. You want everything cooked but not overdone.

Low-Carb Version

To make a low-carb version, skip the pasta. Instead, use spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles. Cook the squash in the oven or microwave, then add it to the sauce. This keeps the dish light and healthy. You can also use cauliflower rice to soak up the creamy sauce. Both options make it filling without the carbs. Enjoy a tasty meal that fits your diet.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp in an airtight container. Let it cool first, then seal it tight. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. This meal tastes great the next day!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, place the shrimp in a pot over low heat. Stir gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the shrimp tender and the sauce creamy.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp for up to three months. First, let it cool completely. Then, divide it into smaller containers for easy meals later. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above, and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Make sure to dry them well before cooking. This helps achieve that perfect sear. The taste will still be delicious, even with frozen shrimp.

How spicy is the One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp?

This dish is not very spicy. The main flavors come from garlic and Italian seasoning. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. You can always add more if you like it spicy.

What serving suggestions pair well with this dish?

This meal pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon dressing works great. You can also serve it with crusty bread. It helps soak up the creamy sauce. Another idea is to enjoy it with a glass of white wine.

This blog post covered everything you need for a great meal. We looked at key ingredients, cooking steps, tips for texture, and tasty variations. You learned how to store and reheat leftovers too. Remember, cooking should be fun and simple. Try out these ideas to make your dish truly yours. Enjoy every bite and make it your ow