Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe For Dinner

Mediterranean flavors dance through this creamy shrimp Tuscan fettuccine, promising an elegant dinner that feels like a culinary vacation.

Silky pasta strands wrap around plump, succulent shrimp in a luxurious sauce.

Garlic and herbs infuse each delectable bite with warmth and depth.

Parmesan cheese melts seamlessly, creating a rich texture that coats every ingredient.

Weeknight meals rarely look this impressive or taste so extraordinary.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques.

Let’s turn your kitchen into a delightful Italian escape tonight.

FAQs

  • What makes Tuscan cuisine special?

Tuscan cooking emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple preparation methods that highlight natural flavors, focusing on locally sourced produce, herbs, and seafood.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

While creamy, the dish includes protein from shrimp, nutrients from spinach, and can be balanced with portion control and lean protein selection.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely, pat dry with paper towels, and ensure they’re deveined before seasoning and cooking to maintain recipe’s quality.

  • How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has mild seasoning with optional red pepper flakes, allowing you to adjust heat level according to personal preference by adding more or less spice.

Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Rich And Delicious

  • Savor Sophisticated Simplicity: This dish brings restaurant-quality flavor without complex techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Switch out ingredients like swap spinach for kale or use different protein options based on preferences.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this gourmet meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families wanting delicious dinner solutions.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and classic pasta in a universally appealing combination that satisfies multiple taste preferences.

Ingredients To Prepare Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine

Main Ingredients:
  • Fettuccine: A classic Italian pasta that provides the hearty base for this creamy dish.
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a delicate protein to the creamy Tuscan-style pasta.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: These rich dairy components create a luxurious and smooth sauce base.
  • Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Flavor-packed ingredients that bring depth and Mediterranean character to the sauce.
Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the shrimp's natural flavor.
  • Spinach, Red Pepper Flakes, Extra Parmesan Cheese: Fresh greens and optional spicy and cheesy garnishes that add color and extra taste.

How To Cook Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil.

Drop in fettuccine and cook according to package directions until perfectly tender. Before draining, carefully scoop out pasta water.

Let pasta rest to the side.

Step 2: Sizzle the Shrimp

In a mixing bowl, coat shrimp with:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Heat a skillet over medium flame.

Cook shrimp until they turn beautiful pink and curl slightly, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create the Luxurious Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sauteing until aromatic.

Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until sauce becomes silky smooth.

Let it bubble gently for 3-5 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 4: Wilt the Greens

Toss fresh spinach into the sauce.

Stir until leaves soften and become vibrant green. Return shrimp to the skillet, mixing everything together.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand gets coated with the creamy sauce.

If sauce seems too thick, splash in reserved pasta water until you reach perfect consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Transfer pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for a zesty finish. Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal immediately while it’s hot and fresh!

Pro Tips To Perfect Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine

  • Select large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they're plump and have a clean, ocean-like smell.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp by watching carefully; they're done when they turn pink and curl slightly, which takes just 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Stir Parmesan cheese slowly into the sauce to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, velvety texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
  • Toast minced garlic briefly in butter before adding cream to release its aromatic oils and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Use reserved pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency, adding small amounts until you reach the ideal creamy coating.

Variations To Try With Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine

  • Vegetarian Tuscan Pasta: Replace shrimp with roasted cauliflower or white beans. Marinate the alternative protein with similar seasonings for a delicious plant-based version.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute fettuccine with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Reduce cooking time and adjust seasoning to complement the lighter vegetable base.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, chickpea, or quinoa flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.

Pairing Suggestions To Enjoy With Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine

Select a refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy, rich sauce and cut through the richness of the dish.

Create a perfect side of toasted, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious Tuscan-style sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast.

Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, bright counterpoint to the creamy, indulgent pasta.

Prepare simple roasted asparagus spears with olive oil and sea salt to bring a green, slightly charred vegetable element that enhances the seafood flavors.

Storage Tips To Keep Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer portion to a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
  • Pack in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and prevent sauce separation.
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Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe

Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine delivers Italian coastal magic with luxurious pasta and succulent seafood. Mediterranean herbs and rich cream sauce invite passionate home cooks to experience authentic Italian comfort in one delightful dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Base:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine
  • 14 cup (60 milliliters) reserved pasta cooking water
  • Water for boiling
  • Salt for pasta water

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 12 teaspoon paprika
  • 14 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 cup (120 milliliters) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 12 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat, approximately 212°F.
  2. Drop fettuccine into boiling water and cook until pasta reaches al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract 1/4 cup pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
  3. Season raw shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring even coating.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, around 350°F, and sear seasoned shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into vibrant pink and become fully cooked.
  5. Transfer perfectly cooked shrimp from skillet and reserve momentarily.
  6. Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and introduce minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for approximately 2 minutes until aromatic.
  7. Pour heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the skillet, stirring consistently until sauce transforms into a smooth, uniform consistency.
  8. Allow sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, watching for slight thickening.
  9. Incorporate fresh spinach into the sauce, cooking until leaves wilt and reduce in volume, roughly 1-2 minutes.
  10. Reintroduce cooked shrimp into skillet, gently tossing to integrate with sauce and spinach.
  11. Add prepared fettuccine to skillet, thoroughly coating pasta with creamy sauce. Adjust sauce consistency by gradually introducing reserved pasta water if needed.
  12. Transfer pasta to serving plates, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for enhanced flavor profile.
  13. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and pasta retains optimal texture.

Notes

  • Pasta Water Magic: Reserve the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of fettuccine.
  • Shrimp Perfection: Cook shrimp just until pink to prevent rubbery texture, ensuring tender and juicy seafood that melts in your mouth.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version that still delivers rich, creamy flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding a dash of chili oil for those who love an extra kick in their pasta dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 510 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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