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- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning You will love the main ingredients in this creamy Tuscan shrimp pasta. The shrimp adds a sweet taste and a nice bite. Fettuccine or linguine gives a lovely base for the sauce. Olive oil provides a rich flavor, while garlic adds warmth. Cherry tomatoes bring a juicy burst. Fresh spinach adds color and health. Heavy cream makes the dish creamy and rich. Parmesan gives a salty kick, and Italian seasoning ties it all together. - Salt - Pepper - Fresh basil Salt and pepper are essential for flavor. Use them to season shrimp and sauce. Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma and taste when you garnish your dish. These pantry staples elevate your meal. - Additional seasonings - Alternative pastas Feel free to add herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor. If you want, try different pasta shapes, like penne or spaghetti. Both choices can change the dish's texture and look. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boiling Water and Cooking Time Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of fettuccine or linguine. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. - Draining and Setting Aside After cooking, carefully drain the pasta in a colander. Make sure to shake off any excess water. Set the pasta aside for later use in the dish. - Preparing the Skillet In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat. This oil will help cook the shrimp evenly. - Cooking Time and Indicators Add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the hot oil. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside. - Sautéing Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic smells great. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for 2-3 minutes until they soften. - Adding Spinach and Cream Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook it until it wilts. Then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. - Mixing Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce Add the drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss it gently with the shrimp and creamy sauce. This step ensures every bite is coated with that rich sauce. - Adjusting Seasoning Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if you feel it needs it. - Plating and Garnishing Divide the creamy Tuscan shrimp pasta into serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. - Accompaniments This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Enjoy your flavorful dinner delight! Al Dente Tips To cook pasta just right, use a big pot and plenty of water. Add a pinches of salt to the boiling water. Cook the pasta for about 8 to 10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. Taste it a minute early. You want it firm but not hard, which is called al dente. This gives the best texture. Reheating Suggestions When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it to keep moisture in. Fresh Herbs and Seasoning Ideas Fresh herbs pack a punch! Add chopped basil or parsley for bright flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice adds freshness too. If you want more spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick without being too hot. Cheese Variations While Parmesan is classic, you can mix things up. Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. A bit of feta can add a nice saltiness. Mix different cheeses for a richer flavor. Just remember to adjust salt as needed. Meal Prep Strategies To save time, prep your shrimp and veggies ahead. You can clean and chop tomatoes and spinach the night before. Store them in the fridge. This way, when you cook, it all comes together fast. Using Frozen Shrimp Frozen shrimp is a great option! It’s often just as fresh. You can skip thawing by cooking it straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This is perfect for quick meals. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. This helps prevent mushy pasta. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a delicious variation. Garnish Generously: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor. Don’t skimp on this final touch! {{image_2}} Tomato-Based Variation You can swap the creamy sauce for a tomato-based one. Use crushed tomatoes instead of cream. This gives a fresh and tangy taste. Add herbs like basil and oregano for more flavor. Adding Vegetables You can mix in other veggies. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the garlic for a tasty twist. This adds color and nutrition to your dish. Chicken or Tofu Substitutions If you want a change, use chicken or tofu. Cook diced chicken in the same way as shrimp. For tofu, use firm tofu, and sauté until golden. Both options make this dish hearty and satisfying. Seafood Mix Options You can also use a mix of seafood. Combine shrimp with scallops or mussels. This adds depth and variety to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is cooked well. Gluten-Free Pasta Choices To make this meal gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste similar to regular pasta. Look for rice or quinoa-based types for a good texture. Dairy-Free Adaptations For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. This keeps the dish creamy while fitting your dietary needs. To keep leftovers fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools before sealing. Use it within three days for best taste. You can freeze this dish for later. Use freezer-safe containers. Let the pasta cool completely before you freeze it. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, move it to the fridge a day before. This helps it thaw slowly. You can also thaw it in cold water for quicker results. You can reheat in two ways: microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, do it in short bursts. Stir often to heat evenly. For stovetop, use low heat. To keep the sauce creamy, add a splash of cream while reheating. Stir it well to mix. This helps to restore its rich texture. This dish takes about 30 minutes to make. The prep time is around 10 minutes, while cooking takes about 20 minutes. You can enjoy a tasty meal without spending all day in the kitchen! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for quick thawing. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water in your dish. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try using half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of butter. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. These alternatives can still give you a creamy texture. Absolutely! Creamy Tuscan shrimp pasta is great for meal prep. Cook the dish and store it in airtight containers. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. To sum up, making Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta is simple and rewarding. You need key ingredients like shrimp, pasta, and heavy cream. We covered step-by-step instructions for cooking each part. I shared tips to make your dish better and faster. You can adjust the flavors and even make substitutions. Remember, storing leftovers properly keeps them tasty. Enjoy creating this dish, and feel free to customize it to your liking!

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring shrimp in a creamy sauce with spinach and tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Divide the creamy Tuscan shrimp pasta among plates and garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

Serve with fresh basil for garnish.
Keyword creamy, pasta, shrimp, Tuscan