Best Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe
If you’re dreaming of twirling silky ribbons of pasta, juicy shrimp, and sun-kissed veggies in a luxuriously creamy sauce, this is the Best Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe you absolutely have to try. Every forkful is a celebration of bold Italian-American flavors—think garlic-sauteed shrimp, lush spinach, sweet cherry tomatoes, and enough Parmesan to make your heart sing! Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a showpiece for a gathering of friends, this dish is a gorgeous, satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Classic Best Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe is how each simple ingredient brings vibrance and comfort to the table. Every element is chosen for maximum flavor, color, or creaminess—you’re only 13 ingredients away from a truly unforgettable pasta night!
- Fettuccine Pasta (12 oz): Choose fettuccine for its flat, broad texture that soaks up every drop of the rich Tuscan sauce.
- Large Shrimp (1 lb): Go for peeled and deveined for convenience—the sweet, briny flavor is the star here.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Adds body and signature Mediterranean warmth to your skillet.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic wakes up the entire sauce and works magic with the shrimp.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Bursts of juicy sweetness that balance the creaminess perfectly.
- Fresh Spinach (2 cups, roughly chopped): Delivers vibrant color and tender texture that holds up in the sauce.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Essential for that dreamy, velvet sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread.
- Chicken Broth (½ cup): Lends depth and helps lighten the richness without losing intensity.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): The umami powerhouse—go freshly grated for best melt and flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Brings together basil, oregano, and thyme for a classic Tuscan vibe.
- Paprika (½ tsp): Lends color and a little earthiness—smoked if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Salt (½ tsp) & Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Fine-tune the flavors and let every ingredient shine.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp): Rounds out the sauce, making it glossy and truly indulgent.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): The finishing touch! Lifts everything with a fresh, herbal pop.
How to Make Best Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your fettuccine and give it a gentle stir to keep it from sticking. Cook the pasta just until al dente—this way, it will finish perfectly in the sauce later. Once done, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water (it’s liquid gold for your sauce) before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat a swirl of olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. While it warms, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper, then add them to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let each side cook for just 1–2 minutes until the shrimp are pink, plump, and opaque. Scoot the shrimp out onto a plate—don’t worry, they’ll come back for their encore soon!
Step 3: Build That Flavorful Base
In the same skillet (no need to clean it; all the good shrimp bits are flavor!), melt the butter, then add minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Next, tumbled in the halved cherry tomatoes and let them cook for 2–3 minutes until they soften and release their juices. Now add the chopped spinach and stir until it wilts, bringing bright color to your pan.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then let everything gently simmer together. Add the grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning, whisking as the sauce thickens and silkens—this usually takes about 3–4 minutes. The aroma will tell you everything you need to know: rich, savory, and totally irresistible.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Slide the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, followed by the drained fettuccine. Give everything a good toss to coat, allowing the sauce to cling to every noodle and shrimp. If the sauce feels a bit thick, drizzle in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it’s luxuriously creamy but still lusciously coats the pasta.
Step 6: Serve the Best Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe
Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley all over for that fresh pop, and serve immediately. Watch as everyone around your table swoons over each forkful!
How to Serve Best Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing flourishes! A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a burst of color but also brightens all those deep, creamy flavors. For even more flavor, add a little extra Parmesan or a few turns of cracked black pepper on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Keep the spirit of Italy alive at your table with simple sides: a tossed green salad with lemon vinaigrette, some buttery garlic bread, or even roasted asparagus. These sides bring freshness, crunch, and a zesty contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopper dinner party touch, twirl individual portions of the Best Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe into deep pasta bowls and top each with shrimp, a shower of Parmesan, and a parsley sprig. Or, for a family-style vibe, pile everything onto a large platter, garnish generously, and let guests serve themselves—nothing brings people together like passing and sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), let the pasta cool slightly and transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just know that the fettuccine will continue absorbing the sauce, so it’s best eaten sooner rather than later for that perfect creamy texture.
Freezing
Cream-based pastas can be tricky with freezing—they sometimes separate or lose their creamy silkiness. While you can freeze the Best Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe in a pinch, I recommend portioning it into freezer-safe containers, and thawing gently in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet or saucepan with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring until everything is heated through and creamy again. Microwaving is okay for quick lunches, but watch carefully and stir often to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or briefly under cool running water, then pat dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp are a convenient and tasty option for the Best Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, substitute half-and-half or even whole milk. Just keep in mind the sauce may be a bit less rich and thick, but still completely delicious with all those Tuscan flavors.
Is there a gluten-free version of this dish?
Yes! Simply swap regular fettuccine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. All the other ingredients in the Best Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adaptation.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic for holding the creamy sauce, linguine, spaghetti, or even penne will work wonderfully. Choose your favorite and enjoy!
How do I make it spicy?
To turn up the heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. It’s a flavorful way to give this Best Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe a gentle kick without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted a restaurant-quality pasta dish that you can make right at home, this is the Best Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe you need in your life. It’s quick enough for weeknights and special enough for celebrations. Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with incredible aromas and happy faces—you won’t regret adding this one to your favorites list!
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Best Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the best creamy shrimp Tuscan fettuccine with this delicious recipe. Succulent shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and spinach are enveloped in a rich, Parmesan-laced cream sauce, creating a satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fettuccine Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil fettuccine until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sear the Shrimp: Season shrimp and cook until pink; set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic, tomatoes, and spinach. Add cream, broth, cheese, and seasonings; simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Toss shrimp and pasta in the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes like linguine or spaghetti.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 230 mg
