Bring the taste of Italy straight to your table with this creamy Tuscan shrimp pasta! Juicy shrimp, paprika-spiced and perfectly seared, are tossed in a velvety sauce rich with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan. It’s decadent, colorful, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Whether you’re cooking for date night or just want to elevate a weeknight dinner, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss.
✨ Why You’ll Love It
- One-Pan Magic: Aside from boiling the pasta, everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup.
- Restaurant-Quality: It looks and tastes like something you’d order at a bistro — creamy, garlicky, and elegant.
- Fast & Flavorful: From start to finish, it’s ready in 30 minutes or less.
- Customizable: Swap proteins, adjust spice, or lighten it up with veggie noodles.
🍤 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained & chopped)
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 How to Make It
- Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Set aside. - Season & Sear the Shrimp:
Pat shrimp dry, then toss with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook another minute. - Simmer:
Pour in the broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. - Finish the Sauce:
Stir in Parmesan until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Add spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. - Combine Everything:
Add shrimp back to the pan. Toss to coat. Then add the pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water (only as needed to loosen the sauce). Mix well. - Serve:
Plate immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley, if desired. Mangia!
💡 Tips for Success
- Dry the shrimp well before seasoning for the best sear.
- Don’t overcook the pasta or shrimp — they’ll continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
- Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine (before the cream) to lift flavor from the pan.
- Go easy with pasta water — add a splash at a time so your sauce stays creamy.
- Make it your own: Swap shrimp for chicken, scallops, or tofu. Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb twist. Add lemon or pesto for brightness.
🥖 What to Serve With It
This rich, creamy dish pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread
- A fresh side salad
- Roasted or sautéed vegetables (broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts)
- Focaccia or grilled flatbread
📦 How to Store & Reheat
- To Store: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3–5 days.
- To Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or broth. Or microwave in short intervals, stirring between.
- Not recommended for freezing — the creamy sauce may separate.
📝 Recipe Card
Tuscan Shrimp Pasta
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 15 min | Calories: ~856 kcal per serving
Ingredients:
(see full list above)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta in salted water. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Season shrimp and sear in olive oil. Set aside.
- In same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in broth and cream; simmer gently.
- Add Parmesan and spinach; stir until creamy and wilted.
- Return shrimp to the pan. Add pasta and a splash of pasta water if needed. Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and parsley.