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Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Bake

creamy shrimp tuscan bake - featured image

A quick and satisfying low-carb comfort meal featuring plump shrimp in a creamy sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (can substitute with full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Push the onions to the side and add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to low. In the same skillet, add cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir constantly until cream cheese softens and starts melting, about 2-3 minutes. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Keep stirring gently until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Add more broth if sauce is too thick.
  6. Toss in the spinach leaves and stir until just wilted, around 1-2 minutes.
  7. Nestle the cooked shrimp back into the sauce. Let everything warm together for 1-2 minutes so flavors meld.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth sauce. Keep heat low when adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling. Fresh garlic and herbs enhance flavor. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore sauce texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp bake, creamy shrimp, Tuscan bake, low-carb dinner, quick shrimp recipe, comfort food, easy weeknight meal, keto shrimp recipe