Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine: A Restaurant-Style Pasta Made Easy at Home

Few dishes feel as indulgent and satisfying as a bowl of creamy pasta crowned with perfectly cooked shrimp. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine is one of those recipes that instantly transports you to a cozy Italian trattoria — rich, aromatic, and layered with bold flavors — yet it’s surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen.

This dish brings together tender shrimp, silky linguine, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan in a luscious cream sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. It’s elegant enough for date night or entertaining, but approachable enough for a weeknight dinner when you want something special without the stress.

If you’re searching for a tuscan shrimp pasta recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, this one checks all the boxes.

Why Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine Is So Popular

Tuscan-style dishes have become beloved for a reason. They balance richness with freshness, combining cream and cheese with bright ingredients like tomatoes, herbs, and greens. This recipe works because:

• Shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully
• Sun-dried tomatoes add sweet, tangy depth
• Garlic and Parmesan build savory intensity
• Cream creates a luxurious, cohesive sauce
• Linguine holds sauce better than thinner pastas

The result is a pasta that tastes complex and slow-cooked, even though it comes together in under 40 minutes.

What Makes Tuscan Shrimp Pasta “Tuscan”?

While not strictly traditional, Tuscan-style pasta recipes are inspired by rustic Italian flavors: garlic, olive oil, herbs, tomatoes, and creamy sauces enhanced with cheese. In American kitchens, “Tuscan shrimp” typically refers to shrimp cooked in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach — a flavor profile that’s comforting, bold, and incredibly crave-worthy.

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Season shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute.
7. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
8. Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
9. Stir in spinach and cook until just wilted.
10. Return shrimp to the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
11. Add cooked linguine and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
12. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
13. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Shrimp Linguine

• Use raw shrimp, not pre-cooked, to avoid rubbery texture
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and prevents grainy sauce
• Don’t overcook shrimp — they finish cooking in the sauce
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency naturally
• Simmer gently to prevent cream from separating

Variations and Customizations

Protein Swaps

• Scallops
• Grilled chicken
• Crab or lobster for a luxury version

Vegetable Add-Ins

• Mushrooms
• Roasted red peppers
• Asparagus tips

Flavor Twists

• Add red pepper flakes for heat
• Splash of white wine before cream for depth
• Lemon zest for brightness

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Tuscan shrimp linguine pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• Simple arugula or Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio

It’s equally perfect for romantic dinners, family meals, or special occasions.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.

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Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine

A rich and elegant pasta dish with shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan in a creamy Tuscan-style sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 560

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 2 cups spinach fresh

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pasta pot
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Cook linguine until al dente and drain.
2. Sauté shrimp until just cooked and set aside.
3. Prepare garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Add spinach, shrimp, and linguine to sauce.
5. Toss and serve immediately.

Notes

Add pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.