Tuscan Butter Shrimp Recipe

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Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound peeled, deveined large raw shrimp, patted dry
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons oil from jar of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, divided
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced shallot
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup drained and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• 1 cup packed fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, sliced, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients and set aside for easy access.
2. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with salt and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Heat a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil. Wait until the mixture shimmers, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn opaque and pink. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter with the remaining 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil. Stir in cherry tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and the shallots become translucent.
6. Add the spinach, basil, wine, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes, scraping any browned bits off the skillets bottom.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook, stirring constantly, for another 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and simmers.
8. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Add the cooked shrimp, along with any juices from the plate, and mix gently.
9. Garnish with additional basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts	Per Serving
Calories	540
Total Fat	41g (53% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	21g (103% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	238mg (79% Daily Value)
Sodium	1279mg (56% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	16g (6% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	3g (9% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	5g
Protein	23g (47% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	28mg (31% Daily Value)
Calcium	264mg (20% Daily Value)
Iron	2mg (9% Daily Value)
Potassium	715mg (15% Daily Value)

The Story Behind Tuscan Butter Shrimp

Tuscan Butter Shrimp is a modern interpretation inspired by the traditional flavors of Tuscany, a region in central Italy known for its rich culinary heritage. While shrimp are not native to Tuscan rivers, the influence of Mediterranean seafood trade introduced them to the region's cuisine. This dish combines fresh shrimp with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant herbs, reflecting the Tuscan emphasis on using high-quality, seasonal ingredients. The creamy butter and wine sauce adds a luxurious touch that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, bridging traditional Italian cooking with contemporary comfort food.

Regional Characteristics

In Tuscany, cuisine is marked by simplicity, allowing ingredients to shine without heavy seasoning. Tuscan Butter Shrimp embodies this philosophy, balancing the tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the subtle heat of crushed red pepper with creamy butter and Parmesan. Unlike coastal Italian regions where seafood is often grilled or served in light broths, Tuscan recipes lean toward rustic sauces that can accompany pasta, polenta, or fresh bread. The use of white wine in the sauce is a nod to the regions wine-making heritage, adding depth while highlighting local flavors like basil, spinach, and lemon zest.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Although it may resemble other Italian shrimp dishes such as Shrimp Scampi or Frutti di Mare, Tuscan Butter Shrimp is distinct for its rich, creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. Shrimp Scampi typically relies on garlic, lemon, and olive oil with a lighter finish, while Frutti di Mare features a medley of seafood in a tomato-based sauce. The Tuscan version uniquely combines a creamy texture with aromatic herbs and the subtle sweetness of cherry tomatoes, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and elegant without being overly complicated.

Where Its Commonly Served

Tuscan Butter Shrimp is versatile and can be enjoyed in both casual and formal settings. In Italy, it might appear as a main course during a family dinner, served over fresh pasta, polenta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce. Outside of Italy, it is popular in Mediterranean-inspired restaurants and at home as a quick yet sophisticated weeknight meal. Its combination of rich flavors and relatively simple preparation makes it suitable for both intimate dinners and festive gatherings.

Interesting Facts

• The dish highlights sun-dried tomatoes, a staple of Tuscan cuisine, which concentrate flavor and add natural sweetness.
• Despite its indulgent cream and butter sauce, the dish remains relatively quick to prepare, often ready in under 30 minutes.
• The inclusion of white wine not only enhances flavor but also reflects Tuscanys deep-rooted wine culture.
• Modern adaptations sometimes incorporate spinach or zucchini noodles to add color, nutrition, and a modern twist without losing authenticity.
• Tuscan Butter Shrimp illustrates the Italian culinary principle of less is more, where high-quality ingredients create complex flavors without excessive seasoning.

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