Pin it Indulge in a luxurious, low-carb Italian-inspired dinner with this Keto Creamy Garlic Tuscan Shrimp. Succulent shrimp are bathed in a velvety garlic cream sauce, punctuated by the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach. Served over tender zucchini noodles, this meal offers all the satisfaction of a classic pasta dish without the extra carbs.
Pin it This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen. The zucchini noodles, or 'zoodles,' provide a fresh and light base that perfectly absorbs the rich, garlic-infused cream sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- 1½ cups (45 g) fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup (60 g) sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried Italian herbs
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian herbs.
- Step 2
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 3
- Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Step 4
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 6
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 7
- Add spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.
- Step 8
- Return shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce.
- Step 9
- Add zucchini noodles and toss gently until just warmed through, 2–3 minutes. Avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
- Step 10
- Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Step 11
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding the shrimp, which allows them to sear properly. If you do not have a spiralizer, a julienne peeler or a sharp knife can be used to create thin zucchini strands. Always pat the shrimp completely dry before seasoning to achieve that perfect pink, opaque finish.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version of the sauce, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the consistency may be thinner. If you prefer a more intense tomato flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, but be sure to drain them well before adding them to the pan. You can also customize the dish by adding sliced mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra texture.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan. For a complete dining experience, pair this Italian-inspired meal with a glass of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, which complements the garlic and seafood beautifully.
Pin it Whether you are strictly following a keto diet or simply looking for a delicious way to enjoy fresh vegetables and seafood, this Creamy Garlic Tuscan Shrimp is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the taste of gourmet Italian cooking in just half an hour!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly for this dish. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, then pat thoroughly dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent watery sauce.
- → How do I prevent zucchini noodles from becoming soggy?
Avoid overcooking the zucchini noodles—they only need 2–3 minutes to warm through. You can also salt the spiralized zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes before cooking, then pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
The sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore consistency, before tossing with the shrimp and zucchini noodles.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half works for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less thick. Coconut cream creates a dairy-free alternative with subtle tropical notes. For the closest texture, use a blend of heavy cream and almond milk.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but store components separately for best results. Keep the shrimp and sauce in one container, and zucchini noodles in another. Reheat the sauce mixture gently, then toss with the noodles just before serving to maintain texture.
- → Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Sliced mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or bell peppers complement the flavors beautifully. Add them when cooking the sun-dried tomatoes so they soften properly. Avoid watery vegetables like tomatoes that might thin the sauce.