Low Carb Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Skillet

This creamy Tuscan shrimp is rich, garlicky, and lightly spicy, made in one skillet with sun-dried tomatoes and basil for a quick, restaurant-style dinner.

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If you love rich, comforting meals that come together quickly without sacrificing flavor, this Creamy Tuscan Butter Shrimp deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. Juicy shrimp are simmered in a lightly spiced, garlicky cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make at home.

you’d expect to order at a cozy Italian restaurant, but it’s ready in about 20 minutes in your own kitchen.

This recipe is naturally low in carbs and packed with flavor, making it a great option for anyone following a high-fat or low-carb lifestyle, though it can be enjoyed by the whole family.

The sauce is creamy without being overly heavy, and the spices add just enough warmth to keep things interesting. Whether you serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside vegetables, this Tuscan-inspired shrimp dish is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

This creamy shrimp recipe checks all the boxes for a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s fast enough for busy weeknights, flexible enough to pair with almost anything, and full of bold, comforting flavour.

It’s especially great when you want something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of butter, garlic, cream, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a sauce that’s deeply savoy and slightly tangy, while fresh basil brings everything together with a bright, herb finish.

Ingredients Overview

This Tuscan butter shrimp recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, yet the end result tastes anything but basic.

Shrimp are the star of the dish, and using raw shrimp is highly recommended. Raw shrimp cook quickly and absorb the flavour of the sauce better than pre-cooked shrimp. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, as long as they are peeled and defined.

Butter or ghee forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and depth. Fresh garlic cloves are essential here, as they provide a strong aromatic foundation that defines the Tuscan flavour profile.

Heavy cream gives the sauce its signature creamy texture. If you prefer a dairy-free option, canned coconut milk works well and still produces a smooth, flavourful sauce. A small amount of gluten-free flour helps thicken the sauce just enough without making it heavy.

Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated tomato flavour and a pop of colour. Both oil-packed and dry varieties work, though oil-packed tomatoes tend to be richer and more vibrant.

Seasonings like Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper bring warmth and complexity. Lemon zest adds a subtle freshness that balances the creaminess, while fresh basil finishes the dish with a classic Tuscan touch. Salt and black pepper round everything out to taste.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Butter Shrimp

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. This should only take about 30 seconds, as garlic can burn quickly if left too long.

While the garlic cooks, whisk the flour and heavy cream together in a bowl until smooth. This step helps prevent lumps and ensures the sauce thickens evenly. Pour the cream mixture into the skillet, stirring gently to combine it with the butter and garlic.

Add the lemon zest, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Reduce the heat slightly and allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes. As it cooks, you’ll notice it begin to thicken and develop a rich, creamy consistency.

Once the sauce has thickened, add the shrimp directly to the skillet. Cook them gently in the sauce, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and curl slightly. This usually takes about four to five minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the freshly chopped basil. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while the shrimp are tender and the sauce is perfectly creamy.

Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about this creamy Tuscan shrimp is how versatile it is. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, allowing the sauce to soak into every bite. For a lighter option, serve it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Crusty bread is also a great addition, especially if you don’t want to waste a drop of that rich, flavorful sauce.

Helpful Notes and Tips

The cream sauce in this recipe is naturally rich due to the heavy cream and butter. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can substitute coconut milk or use a mixture of milk and cream cheese. Greek yogurt combined with a bit of cream cheese can also work, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.

Vegetables are easy to add if you want to bulk up the dish. Chopped kale, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, or green beans all work well and complement the Tuscan flavour.

Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook very quickly, and leaving them on the heat too long will make them rubbery. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Because of the creamy sauce, freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate or curdle once thawed.

To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway through if possible. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a small splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tuscan cream sauce made of?

Tuscan cream sauce is typically a garlic butter-based sauce made with cream, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. Many variations also include fresh basil, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to enhance both flavor and texture.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly well. To thaw them quickly, place the shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them for a few minutes, or soak them in a bowl of cold water until fully thawed. Pat them dry before cooking for the best texture.

Is this Tuscan shrimp recipe very spicy?

The spice level is adjustable. The red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper add a gentle heat, but you can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder dish, or increase them if you enjoy extra spice.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. You can replace the heavy cream with canned coconut milk and use dairy-free butter or ghee. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes or even diced fresh tomatoes can be used, though the flavor will be less intense. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated, tangy taste that’s characteristic of Tuscan-style dishes.