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Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

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A quick and easy 20-minute dinner featuring tender shrimp in a creamy Tuscan sauce with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb peeled and deveined medium shrimp
  • 8 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine or linguine recommended)
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, season 1 lb shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes soften and release juices, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour in ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom and let simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce seems thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Add 2 cups fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add drained pasta and gently mix everything together. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional ½ tsp red pepper flakes. Add more pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
  7. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Add spinach last to keep it fresh and vibrant. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Stir cream cheese gently to prevent lumps. White wine adds acidity but can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth. For gluten-free, swap pasta with gluten-free noodles or spiralized zucchini. For dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta, shrimp pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, Tuscan sauce, weeknight dinner, creamy shrimp pasta

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/creamy-tuscan-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner-idea/