Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine

Ah, creamy Tuscan shrimp linguine—where the flavors of the Mediterranean dance together in perfect harmony! This dish is one of those culinary gems that never fails to impress. Picture this: the gentle embrace of al dente linguine, succulent shrimp glistening with flavor, fresh spinach wilted to perfection, and cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness. It’s a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but wraps you in a warm hug, reminding you that home-cooked meals are the heart and soul of any kitchen.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Why not treat yourself to something special tonight? This creamy Tuscan shrimp linguine is an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy dinner or for impressing guests. The blend of rich cream and parmesan creates a sauce that’s simply irresistible, while the vibrant colors of spinach and tomatoes make it a feast for the eyes. Buoyant, fresh, and indulgent, it captures the essence of Italian cuisine in a straightforward yet elegant way.

One of the best parts of this dish is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to spoil yourself after a long day, this recipe fits effortlessly into any occasion. Not to mention, it comes together in about 30 minutes—making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you crave something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the shrimp is packed with protein, and the spinach brings in a healthy dose of iron and vitamins. Ready to dive into the delicious world of creamy Tuscan shrimp linguine?

Gather these ingredients

Let’s gather the stars of our show! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

• 8 oz linguine pasta: The perfect base for soaking up that creamy sauce. You can swap it for fettuccine if you’re in the mood for something different.

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp are a must! If you’re in a pinch, frozen shrimp will do just fine. Just remember to thaw them beforehand!

• 2 cups spinach: Spinach adds a vibrant green color and loads of nutrients. You can use fresh or opt for frozen—the choice is yours!

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Their sweetness balances the richness of the cream. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes work well too.

• 1 cup heavy cream: This is where the magic happens! For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or coconut milk, though the flavor will differ.

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for easy melting. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap it with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: It adds depth and toastiness to your dish. Feel free to use butter if you want that extra rich flavor.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the secret ingredient that amps up the flavor. Don’t even think about skipping it!

• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning your dish to perfection.

• Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and looks lovely on the plate. Dried basil could work in a pinch but fresh is always best!

How this recipe comes together

Okay, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

1. Boil the linguine: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook 8 oz of linguine according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Before you drain it, save a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’ll help thicken our sauce later!

2. Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute, enough to release that wonderful aroma.

3. Cook the shrimp: Now, add your 1 lb of shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink. You’ll want to keep an eye on them—they cook quickly!

4. Add the veggies: Toss in the halved 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and 2 cups of spinach. Stir it around until the spinach wilts – it’ll be beautiful and vibrant!

5. Create the sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in your 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it dissolves into that creamy goodness.

6. Combine the linguine: Take your drained linguine and add it to the skillet with the sauce. If it seems too thick, drizzle in a bit of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve it up: Dish out your pasta onto plates and don’t be shy with the garnish. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan up top and add a few fresh basil leaves for that extra flair!

Best way to enjoy it

To truly elevate this meal, consider pairing it with a light green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread for some crunch. A crisp glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy richness beautifully. It’s perfect for a dinner party, a cozy date night, or just treating yourself. You deserve it!

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Fear not! This creamy shrimp linguine keeps surprisingly well in the fridge. To store, let it cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container—use within 2-3 days for the best taste. If you need to reheat it, do so gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to bring back that creamy texture. If you think you want to make it ahead of time, you can prepare everything except the shrimp and sauce to freeze. Just cook the shrimp fresh right before serving!

Pro chef tips

Here are some pointers to ensure your shrimp linguine shines:

• Make sure your shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry to achieve a nice sear.
• When cooking the garlic, keep a close eye; burnt garlic can turn your dish bitter.
• For extra depth, you can add a bit of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick!
• Feel free to add ingredients like artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist.

Creative Twists

Want to mix things up? Here are some playful variations:

• Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness or sprinkle with lemon zest for a refreshing finish.
• Swap in whole grain or gluten-free linguine if that suits your needs.
• For a veggie-rich dish, consider adding zucchini or asparagus—your palate will dance with delight!

Now that you have the keys to this deliciously rich and creamy recipe, it’s time to bring it to life in your kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic version or take creative liberties, the end result will surely be a delightful plate that sings flavors. Cooking is all about expressing yourself, so don’t hesitate to dive into this dish and make it your own! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 600

Best Season: Year-round

Description

A delightful tuscan shrimp linguine, combining vibrant flavors of Mediterranean with a rich cream sauce, shrimp, and fresh vegetables.

Main Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Pasta and Sauce Base

• 8 oz linguine pasta (Substitutable with fettuccine)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (Fresh is preferred; frozen is acceptable if thawed)
• 2 cups spinach (Fresh or frozen can be used)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (Grape tomatoes can be substituted)
• 1 cup heavy cream (Use half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated parmesan cheese (Pecorino Romano as an alternative)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Butter can be used for richer flavor)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (Essential for flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste (For seasoning)

Garnish

• Fresh basil (For garnish, optional)

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Linguine

1. Boil the linguine

   Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
   Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
   Mark as complete

Cook the Shrimp and Veggies

1. Sauté the garlic

   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for about 1 minute.
   Mark as complete

2. Cook the shrimp

   Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink.
   Do not overcook.
   Mark as complete

3. Add the veggies

   Toss in cherry tomatoes and spinach, stirring until spinach wilts.
   Mark as complete

Make the Sauce

1. Create the creamy sauce

   Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer, stir in Parmesan until it dissolves.
   Mark as complete

2. Combine linguine

   Add the drained linguine. Use reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency and season.
   Mark as complete

Serve

1. Plate the dish

   Serve in plates and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 18g90%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 220mg74%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 48g16%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 4g

Protein 28g57%

---

Vitamin A 300 IU

Vitamin C 20 mg

Calcium 250 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.15 mg

Riboflavin 0.40 mg

Niacin 2 mg

Vitamin B6 0.2 mg

Folate 60 mcg

Vitamin B12 3 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Magnesium 40 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.3 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For added flavor, consider using crushed red pepper or additional veggies.

Keywords: Tuscan, shrimp, linguine, pasta, creamy, Italian, easy meal, dinner party