Tuscan Butter Shrimp: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

Tuscan Butter Shrimp is a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish made with succulent shrimp sautéed in butter, then simmered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs. The result? A dish that is rich, velvety, and bursting with bold Tuscan-inspired flavors.

Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but it’s also quick and easy to make. With just one pan and 20 minutes, you can create a gourmet seafood meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant date night. Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy, garlicky sauce:trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in 20 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup.
✔ Rich, Creamy & Indulgent – A garlic Parmesan cream sauce infused with Italian herbs and sun-dried tomatoes.
✔ High-Protein & Low-Carb – A keto-friendly dish when served over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Fancy enough for a dinner party, but easy enough for a busy weeknight.
✔ Versatile & Customizable – Swap the shrimp for chicken, salmon, or scallops for a different take.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled & deveined, tails on or off)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained & chopped)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Juice of ½ lemon

💡 Ingredient Swap: Don’t have heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Instructions :

Step 1: Season & Sauté the Shrimp

• Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly.
• Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika, coating evenly.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly golden.
• Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they will continue to cook in the sauce later.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

• In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute, allowing them to release their natural oils and deepen the flavor.
• Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
• Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

💡 Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 3: Combine & Simmer

• Add chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
• Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
• Squeeze in lemon juice to balance the richness.
• Let everything simmer for 2 more minutes to blend the flavors.

💡 Final Touch: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

• Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for garnish.
• Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
• Enjoy your creamy, buttery, and ultra-flavorful Tuscan Butter Shrimp!

💡 Pairing Suggestion: Serve with roasted asparagus, garlic bread, or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations: Customize Your Tuscan Butter Dish!

One of the best things about Tuscan Butter Shrimp is how versatile it is! Whether you prefer chicken, salmon, or a spicier twist, this dish can easily be customized to suit your taste and dietary needs. Try one of these delicious variations to create your perfect meal!

🔹 Tuscan Butter Chicken – A Rich & Satisfying Alternative 

If you prefer chicken over seafood, this variation is a hearty and flavorful alternative that pairs perfectly with the creamy Parmesan sauce.

✅ How to Make It:

• Swap the shrimp for 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets.
• Season with salt, pepper, and paprika as you would the shrimp.
• Heat olive oil and butter, then sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Remove and proceed with making the creamy Tuscan sauce as usual.
• Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.

💡 Pro Tip: Want extra crispiness? Lightly dust the chicken with flour before searing for a light golden crust that soaks up the sauce beautifully!

🔹 Keto & Low-Carb Version – A Healthier, Guilt-Free Option 

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, this version keeps all the creamy goodness while making it lighter and healthier.

✅ How to Make It:

• Instead of serving over pasta, use zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice.
• Reduce the amount of sun-dried tomatoes to lower the carb count.
• Use heavy cream and Parmesan as they are keto-friendly and rich in healthy fats.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra texture, sauté zucchini noodles in garlic butter for 1–2 minutes before tossing them with the sauce!

🔹 Spicy Tuscan Shrimp – Turn Up the Heat! 

Love a little kick in your food? This variation adds extra heat and bold Cajun flavors, making it even more irresistible.

✅ How to Make It:

• Add ½ tsp extra red pepper flakes (or more if you love spice!).
• Stir in 1 tsp Cajun seasoning with the Italian seasoning for a bold, smoky heat.
• For an even spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or ½ tsp cayenne pepper.

💡 Pro Tip: Want a blackened shrimp effect? Coat the shrimp in Cajun seasoning before searing, then follow the rest of the recipe as written!

🔹 Tuscan Salmon – A Luxurious & Omega-3 Rich Option 

If you prefer heartier seafood, salmon is a fantastic protein-packed alternative that pairs beautifully with the garlic-Parmesan sauce.

✅ How to Make It:

• Replace the shrimp with 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each.
• Season as usual and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove and prepare the sauce, then return the salmon to the pan to simmer for 2 minutes.

💡 Pro Tip: For even more flavor, squeeze extra lemon juice over the salmon before serving to enhance its freshness!

Which Version Will You Try?

Whether you choose chicken, salmon, a low-carb option, or a spicy twist, these variations allow you to enjoy Tuscan Butter flavors in new and exciting ways!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

❓ How do I store leftovers?

✅ Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✅ Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to prevent curdling.

❓ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute:

• Coconut cream for heavy cream
• Nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan

❓ What should I serve with Tuscan Butter Shrimp?

✅ Pasta (fettuccine, linguine)
✅ Rice or mashed potatoes
✅ Garlic bread or crusty baguette

Conclusion: A Must-Try Creamy Shrimp Dish!

Tuscan Butter Shrimp is the perfect combination of creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy flavors, making it one of the easiest and most satisfying seafood dishes you can make at home. Whether you’re cooking for a quick family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is effortless yet impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ Fast & Flavorful – Ready in 20 minutes!
✔ Rich, Creamy Sauce with Bold Flavors
✔ Perfect for Weeknights or Special Occasions

So why wait? Try this Tuscan Butter Shrimp today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Print