Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp

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Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp is a rich, elegant, and surprisingly easy dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Juicy, tender shrimp are coated in a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce, then paired with vibrant baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a bold pop of flavor and color. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight meal or want to impress guests with something restaurant-worthy, this one-pan Tuscan shrimp recipe is the perfect choice.

Packed with flavor and low in carbs, it’s a comforting yet healthy dish that fits perfectly into a keto or gluten-free lifestyle. Serve it over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or even a simple bed of sautéed greens for a satisfying, low-carb dinner that tastes like pure comfort.

Just imagine a one-skillet shrimp dinner smothered in a rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce—absolutely mouthwatering, right? This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is exactly that kind of dish: comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a romantic meal for two, this shrimp recipe is the perfect choice.

What makes this dish truly special is how effortlessly it comes together. In just 20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality shrimp meal on your table—no fancy ingredients or complicated techniques required. If shrimp is your go-to when dining out, you’ll love how simple (and budget-friendly) it is to recreate that same experience at home.

With tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a velvety garlic cream sauce and balanced by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, this easy creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe is guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Why You’re Going to Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast but flavorful.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and simply reheat when needed—it still tastes just as amazing!
• Restaurant-Worthy Presentation: It looks elegant and impressive, yet it’s so simple to make. Ideal for date nights or dinner parties at home.
• Incredible Flavor: Packed with rich garlic, creamy parmesan, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and tender shrimp, every bite is bursting with Tuscan-inspired flavor.
• Naturally Low in Carbs: This shrimp dish fits perfectly into low-carb and keto-friendly diets without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, steamed veggies, or even keto-friendly bread for a variety of delicious low-carb meals.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan—less mess, less cleanup, more flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the creamy sauce and juicy shrimp—it’s a win for everyone at the table.
• High in Protein: With a solid dose of protein from the shrimp, it’s both satisfying and energizing.
• Perfect for Special Occasions or Meal Prep: Whether you’re cooking for guests or prepping meals for the week, this creamy shrimp dish is a dependable and delightful choice.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich and flavorful Tuscan shrimp recipe. These ingredients work together to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. For full measurements and instructions, be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below.

• Shrimp – Use large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails removed. Frozen shrimp work great (just thaw them first), or go with fresh if available.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds depth and a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic and parmesan.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is key for infusing the sauce with aromatic, savory flavor.
• Onion – Finely chopped yellow or white onion adds sweetness and builds a flavorful base.
• White Wine (optional) – Adds brightness and depth. If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken or vegetable broth.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These provide a tangy, slightly sweet bite that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream – Use full-fat heavy cream to make the sauce rich, velvety, and irresistibly smooth.
• Fresh Spinach – Adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also use frozen spinach; just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water.
• Parmesan Cheese – Grated parmesan helps thicken the sauce and adds sharp, nutty flavor.
• Salt & Pepper – Season to taste for a perfectly balanced dish.
• Italian Seasoning – Use store-bought or homemade Italian herbs for an herby, Tuscan-style finish.

How To Make This Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp 

Once you see how easy it is to prepare this creamy Tuscan shrimp recipe, you will want to prepare it in advance and enjoy it for dinner on a busy day with some pasta or rice. So here is everything you have to do:

Preparing The Shrimp

To devein the shrimp, first, remove the head and shell. Then, using a small knife, make a shallow incision down the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein. Then rinse the shrimp and pat dry.

Cook The Onion and Garlic

Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until tender.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.

Sear The Shrimp

Add the shrimp and sear them for about 2 minutes on each side until just pink.

Making the Sauce

Pour the white wine over the shrimp and cook on low until it reduces to half.

Add the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper and cook for about 3 minutes until the parmesan is melted and the sauce starts to thicken.

Now you can add the fresh spinach and cook for about one minute or until it reduces its volume.

Add the Italian herbs and mix until everything is well combined.

Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp

These simple tips will help you make the perfect Tuscan shrimp—creamy, flavorful, and cooked just right every time.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Sear the shrimp in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and develop a light golden edge. Overcrowding the skillet can cause the shrimp to steam rather than sear, which affects both texture and flavor.
• Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp – Shrimp cook fast—just 1–2 minutes per side is enough! Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
• Use High-Quality Shrimp – Fresh, wild-caught shrimp provide the best texture and flavor. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.
• Opt for Unsalted Butter – Since both parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes are naturally salty, using unsalted butter helps you control the salt level and keeps the dish from becoming overly salty.
• Add Parmesan Cheese Gradually – Stir in the parmesan slowly and continuously to help it melt evenly into the sauce. This prevents clumping and ensures your garlic cream sauce stays silky and smooth.
• Deglaze the Pan with Wine or Broth – Adding a splash of white wine or broth after cooking the garlic and onion helps lift the flavorful bits stuck to the pan, enriching the sauce with extra depth.
• Sauté the Garlic Gently – Use medium-low heat to sauté the garlic just until fragrant—this keeps it from burning and turning bitter, which can ruin the sauce.
• Add Spinach at the End – Fold in the fresh spinach at the end of cooking so it wilts perfectly without becoming too mushy. This keeps the texture tender and the color vibrant.
• Let the Sauce Simmer Gently – Simmer the cream sauce on low heat to thicken it slowly without breaking or curdling. Avoid boiling after adding the cream and cheese.

Recipe Variations for Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

This Tuscan garlic butter shrimp recipe is delicious as written, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are some tasty ways to switch it up and make it your own:

• Lemon Zest and Juice: Stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, zesty flavor that balances the richness of the creamy sauce.
• Sautéed Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or baby bella) when cooking the onion and garlic. They add a savory depth and hearty texture.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a little heat, add ½ to 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic—or sprinkle them over the finished dish for a spicy kick.
• Chicken Instead of Shrimp: Swap shrimp for thinly sliced boneless chicken breast or chicken thighs for a different protein option. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through before making the sauce.
• More Veggies: Toss in chopped kale, arugula, or zucchini ribbons along with the spinach to boost nutrition and variety.
• Roasted Garlic: For a sweeter, mellow garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of fresh. It adds a more subtle, complex depth to the sauce.
• Use Broth: Not a fan of wine? Replace it with chicken, vegetable, or seafood broth to deglaze the pan and add savory flavor without alcohol.
• Cheese Variations – For a flavor twist, substitute the parmesan with asiago, pecorino romano, or a sharp white cheddar.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp

The first time I made this Tuscan shrimp recipe, I enjoyed it just as it was—creamy, rich, and absolutely satisfying on its own. But it also pairs beautifully with a variety of low-carb or classic sides that soak up that garlicky parmesan sauce. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Your favorite pasta – Serve this creamy shrimp over your favorite pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine for a comforting, restaurant-style meal.
• Zucchini Noodles – For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles are perfect. They soak up the creamy sauce beautifully while keeping things light and keto-friendly.
• Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed cauliflower is a great low-carb substitute for potatoes and makes a hearty base for this shrimp dish.
• Cauliflower Rice – Quick and easy to prepare, cauliflower rice adds texture and absorbs the sauce wonderfully—perfect for a light but satisfying dinner.
• With Low-Carb Garlic Bread – Try pairing this dish with some crispy low-carb garlic bread to scoop up every bit of that rich, cheesy sauce.
• With a Fresh Green Salad – A simple arugula or baby spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing touch.

Storing and Reheating

• Fridge: You can store any Tuscan shrimp leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. 
• To reheat: You can reheat them in a pan with a little butter, but make sure you don’t overcook the shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I Freeze Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp?

Unfortunately, this recipe isn’t freezer friendly since the texture of the shrimp may change, and the sauce will separate.

Are Shrimp Healthy?

Sure, shrimps are great for someone who takes care of their health and can also be eaten on a keto diet. So, like other seafood, shrimp is a protein with zero grams of net carbs and can be easily included in your diet.

What Type Of Shrimp Should I Use For This Recipe?

You can use any type of shrimp for this recipe as long as they are peeled and deveined.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely; another great thing about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.

Can I Make Dairy-Free Tuscan Shrimp?

Sure, if you are following a dairy-free diet, you can still enjoy this recipe by skipping the parmesan cheese and replacing the butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream.

More Shrimp Recipes

• Easy 10-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
• The Most Flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp