Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta
A quick and comforting creamy Tuscan shrimp pasta with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious sauce, ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or dinner parties, this dish balances rich flavors with fresh greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach (about 90g)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine and cook according to package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes) until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add 3 cups fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir well. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Let sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
- Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Add drained pasta and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly so sauce coats every bite. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
Keep an eye on the sauce consistency; it should coat the pasta without being gluey. Use reserved pasta water to adjust thickness. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender. Freshly grated Parmesan adds best flavor and texture. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 38
Keywords: creamy shrimp pasta, Tuscan shrimp pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, shrimp dinner, spinach pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, weeknight meal