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Creamy Quick Shrimp Tuscan Bake

creamy quick shrimp tuscan bake - featured image

A quick and easy creamy shrimp Tuscan bake featuring tender shrimp in a luscious sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) peeled and deveined medium shrimp, fresh or thawed frozen
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil preferred)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
  • 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Dry shrimp sear better, so ensure they are well dried. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. (2 minutes)
  3. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside. (5 minutes)
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach to the pan. Stir until spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Add softened cream cheese and chicken broth, stirring until cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce. (5 minutes)
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan, dried Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Return shrimp to the pan and mix gently to coat in sauce. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to warm through. (3 minutes)
  6. Optional: Transfer to an oven-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden top, watching closely to prevent burning. (3 minutes)
  7. Serve immediately with crusty bread, pasta, or rice.

Notes

Softening cream cheese before adding helps it melt smoothly and prevents clumping. Pat shrimp dry to get a good sear and avoid rubbery texture. Cook shrimp in batches if pan is small to avoid overcrowding. Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add more flavor; rehydrate dry ones if needed. Optional broiling adds a golden finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp bake, creamy shrimp, Tuscan shrimp, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, cozy dinner, seafood bake