Imagine diving into a plate of luxurious, restaurant-worthy shrimp that looks like it came straight from a Tuscan kitchen, but can be prepared in your own home with minimal effort. This Creamy Garlic Tuscan Shrimp is not just a meal—it's a culinary escape that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. With its rich, velvety sauce, perfectly cooked succulent shrimp, and burst of fresh tomato and herb flavors, this recipe will make you feel like a professional chef without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh basil for garnish.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring it is hot but not smoking.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Once the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- To serve, plate the creamy garlic Tuscan shrimp and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Shrimp Cooking Perfection: Watch your shrimp carefully while cooking. They're done when they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Garlic Management: Sauté garlic quickly and at medium heat to prevent burning. Burnt garlic can make your entire dish taste bitter.
- Cream Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. If it's too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to thin it out.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil for garnishing. The bright, aromatic herb will elevate the entire dish's flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pasta, or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 320mg
