Are you ready for a quick and tasty dinner? One Pan Tuscan Garlic Shrimp is your answer! This dish combines juicy shrimp, bright vegetables, and rich cream, all made in one pan. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful meal that impresses everyone around the table. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that packs a punch of flavor!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, red pepper flakes, and creamy Parmesan creates a delicious and vibrant sauce.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Large shrimp are the star of this dish. They add a sweet and briny taste. I love using shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. It saves time. Olive oil brings rich flavor and helps cook the shrimp. Garlic gives it a warm, savory kick. Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat. You can adjust them if you prefer less spice.
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Cherry tomatoes are juicy and sweet. They burst with flavor when cooked. Baby spinach adds a nice green touch and a bit of nutrition. Fresh basil gives a lovely aroma and fresh taste. It’s perfect for garnishing the final dish.
Dairy Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. It blends well with the shrimp and veggies. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor. It helps thicken the sauce and makes it smooth. These two ingredients elevate the dish to a gourmet level.
This combination of ingredients creates a meal that feels fancy but is simple to make.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Skillet
- Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell amazing but not burn.
Cooking the Shrimp
- Next, add 1 pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside on a plate.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in 1 cup of baby spinach and cook until it wilts, which takes about 1 minute.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Gradually sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss them in the sauce to coat well. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Let it cook for another minute or two until everything is heated through and flavors blend.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Shrimp
To get the best shrimp, don’t overcook them. Shrimp cook quickly. They should turn pink and opaque in just 2-3 minutes on each side. If you cook them longer, they can become tough. For seasoning, just use salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of lemon zest for a fresh twist.
Enhancing the Sauce
To make the sauce creamy, use heavy cream. It adds richness and smoothness. For a flavor boost, think about adding a splash of white wine or a dash of lemon juice. Both can brighten the dish and add depth.
Presentation Ideas
For serving, place the shrimp on a bed of cooked pasta or rice. This makes the dish heartier. For garnish, use fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. They not only look great but also add flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice pop of color too!
Pro Tips
- Freshness Matters: Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure they are properly thawed before cooking.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. You can omit them entirely for a milder dish.
- Perfect Cream Sauce: To achieve a creamy sauce without curdling, keep the heat low when adding heavy cream and stir continuously.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or oregano in place of basil for a unique flavor profile.
Variations
Different Proteins
You can easily swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken is a great choice.
- Substituting shrimp with chicken: Use boneless chicken breast or thighs. Cook the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and fully cooked. This will add a nice twist to the dish.
- Using scallops or tofu: For seafood lovers, scallops are a fun option. They cook quickly and have a sweet taste. If you prefer a plant-based choice, try tofu. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water. This helps it absorb flavor well.
Seasonal Ingredients
Adding seasonal ingredients can change the dish’s flavor.
- Incorporating spring vegetables: Feel free to mix in seasonal veggies. Asparagus and peas work well in spring. They add color and nutrition to your meal.
- Using different types of tomatoes: Besides cherry tomatoes, try heirloom or grape tomatoes. Each type brings its unique taste and sweetness. You can even use canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available.
Dietary Adjustments
Making changes for dietary needs is easy.
- Making it dairy-free: To create a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. This keeps it creamy and delicious without dairy.
- Low-carb options: To make this dish low-carb, skip the pasta. Serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. This keeps the meal light and healthy.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To keep your One Pan Tuscan Garlic Shrimp fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent odors and keeps the shrimp tasty. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. After that, the shrimp may lose its great texture and flavor.
Freezing Guidelines
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to help revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Enjoy every bite!
FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
For this recipe, you can use either fresh or frozen shrimp. Fresh shrimp offers great flavor and texture. However, frozen shrimp can be just as good if you thaw them properly. Look for large shrimp, as they cook well and look nice on the plate. If you go frozen, buy shrimp that are raw, peeled, and deveined. This will save you time and effort.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To meal prep, cook the shrimp and sauce as directed. Let the dish cool and store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. Stir gently to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
What can I serve with Tuscan garlic shrimp?
This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Cooked pasta, like fettuccine or linguine
- White or brown rice for a hearty base
- Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
- A fresh green salad for a light touch
These sides add color and flavor to your meal, making it more filling and enjoyable.
This blog post covers how to make Tuscan garlic shrimp. We went over the key ingredients like large shrimp, olive oil, and heavy cream. I shared step-by-step instructions and cooking tips for the perfect dish. We also explored variations and storage tips.
In conclusion, cooking shrimp can be simple and fun. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Don’t be afraid to try new proteins or veggies. Enjoy your cooking journe
One Pan Tuscan Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook until it's wilted, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat well. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Let it cook for another minute or two until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
