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Creamy Garlic Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

A creamy garlic Tuscan shrimp pasta with tender shrimp, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and a rich weeknight-friendly sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces pasta such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne
  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
  • Reserved pasta water as needed
  • Red pepper flakes optional
  • Extra parmesan optional for serving

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 colander
  • 1 tongs

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente.
  2. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  3. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
  6. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  7. Add the garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds.
  8. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
  9. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  10. Add the spinach and stir until wilted.
  11. Return the shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet.
  12. Toss everything together until coated in the sauce.
  13. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  14. Finish with lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and extra parmesan if desired.
  15. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp. They only need a few minutes and should be pink and opaque. Save pasta water before draining so you can loosen the sauce if needed. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk, cream, or water.