– **Title**: Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta
– **Ingredients**:
– 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Add the shrimp back into the skillet and mix to combine.
8. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and shrimp mixture, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, as needed.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious creamy Tuscan shrimp pasta!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle brings a nice shape and texture. You can swap it with any pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat for extra fiber.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp works best, but frozen shrimp is a great alternative. Just thaw them properly before cooking. For a twist, you can use cooked shrimp or even diced chicken!
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or even coconut milk can work, though the flavor will change slightly.
Italian Seasoning: This mix adds flavor, but you can also use a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if you don’t have it on hand. Fresh herbs would be lovely if you have them!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness. If they’re not available, canned diced tomatoes will do or even fresh diced regular tomatoes. Just adjust the cooking time.
How Can I Ensure My Shrimp are Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp correctly is key to getting that sweet, tender taste. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so let’s avoid that!
- Start with clean, deveined shrimp for the best texture.
- Heat your skillet and add olive oil. This should be noticeable but not smoking.
- Season the shrimp and place them in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them! Aim to cook for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Look for that beautiful pink and opaque color—this means they’re ready! If they’re still translucent, give them another minute or so.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces farfalle pasta (or pasta of choice)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish will take about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and about 15 minutes making the sauce and combining everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. You want it ready to soak up all that tasty sauce later!
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Make the Flavorful Base:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for about 2 minutes, or until they start to soften and give off their juices. Yum!
4. Build Your Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Next, stir in the heavy cream and the Italian seasoning, mixing everything well. Let this cook for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully!
5. Add Cheese and Greens:
Now it’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it in until the sauce thickens slightly. Then, add the spinach and cooked shrimp back into the skillet, stirring until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
6. Combine Everything:
Finally, add the cooked farfalle pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so that the pasta is evenly coated with that creamy sauce. Take a moment to taste, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your creamy Tuscan shrimp pasta right away, garnished with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy this delicious meal that feels a little fancy but is super easy to make!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them first. You can do this by transferring them to the refrigerator overnight or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for about 20-30 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the pan.
What Pasta Can I Substitute for Farfalle?
You can use any pasta you like! Fusilli, penne, or even spaghetti work well for this creamy sauce. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose, following the package instructions for al dente texture.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover creamy Tuscan shrimp pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor. Just be sure to taste and adjust for seasoning as necessary!
