Name: Tuscan Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking; ½ cup shiitake mushrooms, chopped; 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; Salt, pepper and onion powder, to taste (for shrimp); 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup white wine (I used Pinot Grigio); ¾ cup marinara sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups spinach, raw or frozen; Pasta of your choice

Ooh la la! Tuscan Shrimp Pasta is on the menu, and it’s sure to steal the show. This simple yet impressive dish is quick, comforting, and full of flavor. It comes together in just 20 minutes. If you like seafood and cream sauce, you’re going to love this one!

This Tuscan Shrimp Pasta is both creamy and comforting. Jumbo shrimp, sun dried tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms, garlic and spinach all come together in a creamy blush sauce. Add your favorite pasta, and you’re in for a true treat!

Whenever I’m craving seafood pasta, this recipe is my go-to choice. Thanks to a small recipe shortcut using jarred marinara sauce, it’s incredibly easy to make. The quick cook time is perfect for when you’re hungry and ready to indulge. In just 15 minutes, you can have a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish on your plate.

What Makes Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Comforting?

Simple: It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Creamy & Flavorful: The combination of shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms, garlic, and spinach in a creamy blush sauce creates a yummy, textured dish.
Nutritious: Using vegetables like spinach and mushrooms adds vitamins and minerals.
Warm: Serving this dish hot creates a sense of coziness.

The Secret to the Sauce

After fully cooking the shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, I make the sauce in the same pan by deglazing the pan with Pinot Grigio. Then, I combine heavy cream with marinara sauce. While canned tomato sauce can work, marinara makes this recipe even easier since it’s already flavored and seasoned just how I like it. This way, I don’t need to gather multiple seasonings. In this recipe, I’m using Trader Joe’s brand, which is a great deal at $2.99. I like to use pre-packaged sauces with clean ingredients.

Ingredients for Tuscan Shrimp Pasta:

Let’s dive into the ingredients, shall we? For the shrimp, I’m using a pound of jumbo shrimp. Staying true to the simplicity of Tuscan cuisine, this recipe uses olive oil, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh garlic, and of course…wine! I tend to stick with Pinot Grigio since it’s usually what I have on hand. While wine adds a beautiful depth of flavor, feel free to leave it out if you prefer. This dish will still be absolutely delicious!

When it comes to mushrooms, I’m a huge fan and love incorporating them into many dishes. For this one, I prefer shiitake mushrooms because their distinct flavor pairs perfectly with the wine and other ingredients. Shiitake mushrooms bring depth to this dish with their earthy, umami flavor and meaty texture. Using them in this Tuscan Shrimp Pasta adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that complements the shrimp beautifully.

How to Make Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

Step 1. Cook Your Pasta of Choice: Start by cooking your pasta of choice according to the package instructions. Then, set it aside.
Step 2. Cook the Mushrooms & Sun-dried Tomatoes: Heat olive oil over medium-high. Cook mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes for about 5 minutes. Stir continuously.
Step 3. Fully Cook the Seasoned Shrimp: Next, season shrimp with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Add to skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until cooked all the way through.
Step 4: Quickly Cook the Garlic: Add butter and garlic. Cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Remove everything from the pan and set aside.
Step 5. Make the Sauce: Pour in white wine, marinara sauce, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
Step 6. Wilt the Spinach: Stir in spinach. Turn heat to low and cook until wilted.
Step 7. Toss Everything Together: Add shrimp, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic back to sauce and toss. Remove from heat.
Step 8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve and enjoy with your pasta of choice!

Tips for this Dish:

Don’t Brown or Burn the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly! So, cooking it should only take about 30 seconds. Cook it until it’s just fragrant and do not let it brown.
Rinse the Mushrooms: Make sure to clean the shiitake mushrooms gently with a damp cloth or paper towel instead of rinsing them under water, as they can absorb moisture, which affects their texture when cooked.
Wash the Spinach: If you are using raw spinach, make sure that you wash it.
Use Your Favorite Pasta: One of the best things about pasta recipes is how much room they leave for creativity. This one is no exception. You can use any type of pasta you like! For this dish, I chose spaghetti because it’s a household favorite, but linguine, bowtie, or penne would work just as well.
Swap Out the Shrimp for Another Protein: If you don’t want to use shrimp, swap it out for another protein like scallops, chicken, or even ground beef. Just keep in mind that the cook time for these proteins may be a bit longer, so factor that into your total time in the kitchen.

I hope you enjoy making this Tuscan Shrimp Pasta as much as I do! It’s a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, savory shrimp, and delicious mix of ingredients, it’s sure to please your palate. Enjoy the cooking process and, most importantly, eating it!