Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine Recipe

Easy & Rich Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine Recipe For Dinner

Seafood enthusiasts adore this creamy Tuscan shrimp linguine that blends luxurious flavors with simple ingredients.

Rich coastal Italian traditions inspire every delectable bite of this mouthwatering pasta dish.

Succulent shrimp nestle perfectly among silky linguine strands, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes infuse the sauce with deep, complex notes that dance across your palate.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through Mediterranean-inspired comfort.

Tender shrimp and al dente pasta combine in a creamy embrace that promises to delight even the most discerning dinner guests.

Prepare to savor a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary evening into an extraordinary dining celebration.

Why You’ll Love Tuscan Shrimp Linguine

Why You'll Love Tuscan Shrimp Linguine
  • Creamy shrimp linguine transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort.
  • Swap ingredients like spinach for kale or swap protein for chicken, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different taste preferences.
  • Professional-level flavors achieved through simple techniques like deglazing the pan and perfectly searing shrimp, allowing home cooks to create restaurant-worthy dishes without complex skills.
  • Creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and fresh herbs combine to create a universally appealing dish that satisfies both picky eaters and sophisticated palates with its rich, balanced flavors.

Tuscan Shrimp Linguine Ingredient Rundown

Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that creates the main protein of this creamy Tuscan pasta dish.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic Granules, Black Pepper, Salt: Classic seasonings that enhance the shrimp's natural flavor.
  • Shallots: Mild onion-like ingredient that adds depth to the sauce.
  • Minced Garlic: Fragrant base that provides a rich, savory foundation.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and develop flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the linguine.
  • Cider or Stock: Liquid used to deglaze the pan and add additional flavor complexity.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides a tangy, concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce.
  • Baby Spinach: Fresh green that adds color, nutrition, and a slight earthy taste.
  • Lemon Zest: Bright citrus element that adds freshness to the final dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Herb that brings a pop of color and light, fresh flavor.
Pasta:
  • Linguine: Classic Italian pasta that serves as the base of this creamy seafood dish.

Cooking Tuscan Shrimp Linguine

Cooking Tuscan Shrimp Linguine

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp

Grab your shrimp and pat them completely dry with a paper towel.

This crucial step ensures a beautiful golden sear.

Season the shrimp with:
  • Salt
  • Garlic granules
  • Black pepper

Tip: Keep shrimp in a single layer while cooking to achieve perfect searing.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-low heat.

Gently add minced garlic and let it sizzle softly for 1-2 minutes.

Watch carefully to keep garlic soft and sweet without browning.

Step 3: Cook Perfect Shrimp

Place seasoned shrimp in the pan, creating a single layer.

Cook approximately 2 minutes, flipping once, until shrimp turn pink and become opaque.

Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

Pour a splash of cider or stock into the pan.

Scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom, which will intensify the overall flavor profile.

Step 5: Build Luxurious Sauce

Add butter and sauté shallots until golden and soft.

Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and cook for additional minutes.

Reduce heat and pour in cream, stirring until ingredients blend smoothly.

Return shrimp to the pan, allowing gentle simmering for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Finish With Fresh Touches

Toss in generous handfuls of baby spinach and stir until wilted.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add cooked linguine, ensuring complete sauce coverage.

Sprinkle fresh lemon zest and parsley on top, giving a final delicate stir.

Tuscan Shrimp Linguine – Helpful Advice

Tuscan Shrimp Linguine - Helpful Advice
  • Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Cook garlic on medium-low heat and remove from pan before it turns brown to maintain a sweet, fragrant flavor without bitterness.
  • Deglaze the pan with cider or stock to capture all the delicious browned bits, intensifying the overall taste of the sauce.
  • Remove shrimp immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking, ensuring they remain juicy and perfectly pink when returned to the sauce.
  • Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent separation and create a smooth, silky texture that clings beautifully to the linguine.

Keep Tuscan Shrimp Linguine Just Right

  • Store leftover shrimp linguine in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month. Spinach might slightly wilt during freezing, but flavor remains intact.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Cook until the dish reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop when thoroughly warm but before sauce separates or shrimp becomes rubbery.

Best Pairings for Tuscan Shrimp Linguine

  • Perfectly Pair Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine
  • Uncork Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the creamy sauce, refreshing the palate with bright, zesty notes that complement the shrimp's delicate flavor.
  • Select Herbal Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which echoes the dish's citrusy undertones and provides a peppery contrast to the rich, creamy linguine.
  • Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the luxurious sauce, adding a crunchy texture that balances the pasta's smoothness and enhances the overall dining experience.
  • Elevate with Dry Rosé: Choose a crisp rosé wine that bridges the gap between white and red, offering enough acidity to cut through the cream while providing a subtle fruity backdrop that harmonizes with the sun-dried tomatoes.

Variations on Tuscan Shrimp Linguine

  • Gluten-Free Linguine Lover: Swap traditional wheat linguine with rice noodles or chickpea pasta for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the recipe's creamy texture and flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Seafood Sensation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a rich, velvety sauce that keeps the dish allergen-friendly and just as delicious.
  • Vegetarian Mediterranean Option: Substitute shrimp with roasted artichoke hearts or sautéed king oyster mushrooms to capture the same umami depth while keeping the dish plant-based and protein-packed.
  • Low-Carb Zoodle Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of linguine for a lighter, keto-friendly version that maintains the recipe's incredible sauce and herb combinations.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.

  • What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes?

No problem! You can substitute with roasted red peppers or simply omit them. The sauce will still be delicious and creamy.

  • Is it okay to use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine works great, you can easily swap it with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well.

  • How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked and might become rubbery.

Print
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Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Silky linguine meets succulent shrimp in this Tuscan Shrimp Linguine, blending rich Mediterranean flavors with classic Italian comfort. Luxurious cream sauce and tender shrimp invite you to savor an effortless culinary escape that whispers pure indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 450 g (1 lb) deveined raw shrimp
  • 300 g (10 ½ oz) dried linguine

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 shallot (finely diced)
  • 100 g (3 ½ oz) sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
  • 23 large handfuls baby spinach
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic granules
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Liquids and Fats:

  • 300 ml (1 ½ cups) single cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 splash cider or stock
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the protein by patting dry with paper towels to ensure optimal searing. Season generously with salt, garlic granules, and black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-low temperature, carefully adding minced garlic and allowing it to become fragrant without browning, approximately 1-2 minutes.
  3. Arrange seasoned protein in a single layer, cooking for 2 minutes and flipping once until transforming to pink and translucent. Extract with a slotted spoon to prevent overcooking.
  4. Deglaze the pan with a liquid splash, thoroughly scraping accumulated browned fragments from the surface to intensify flavor profile.
  5. Introduce butter and sauté shallots until golden and tender. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, cooking briefly before reducing heat and blending cream until smooth and uniform.
  6. Return protein to the pan, allowing gentle simmering for 1-2 minutes to reheat and integrate flavors.
  7. Fold fresh baby spinach into the mixture, stirring until completely wilted and integrated.
  8. Combine cooked linguine with the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough coating and even distribution.
  9. Finish by garnishing with bright lemon zest and freshly chopped parsley, providing a final aromatic and citrusy accent. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

  • Achieve golden shrimp by ensuring they’re completely dry before cooking, preventing moisture that leads to steaming instead of searing.
  • Prevent garlic from burning by using medium-low heat and watching carefully during sautéing, which keeps the flavor sweet and mellow.
  • Customize protein options by swapping shrimp with chicken or white fish for dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
  • Keep sauce creamy and smooth by lowering heat when adding cream and stirring consistently to prevent separation or curdling.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 64 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 230 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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