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+ servings
A bowl of pasta with shrimp and spinach.
5 from 1 vote

Tuscan Shrimp Linguini Recipe

This Tuscan shrimp linguini recipe combines juicy shrimp, tender linguini noodles, and a creamy Tuscan sauce with fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. It's a comfort food classic that is nourishing for you, too!
Prep 20 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Fat 23
Carbs 38
Protein 24
Yield 6 people

Ingredients

  • 1.5 teaspoon sea salt separated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 lb. jumbo uncooked shrimp deveined, peeled, and tail removed
  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 8 oz. fettuccine
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil separated
  • ½ large yellow onion minced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 cups chopped spinach
  • ½ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes
  • cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup starchy pasta water
  • 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese + more for topping
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  • Begin by mixing the spices for the shrimp. Add 1 teaspoon salt, garlic, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes to a bowl and stir to combine.
  • Toss the shrimp with the spice mixture in a large bowl until the shrimp is coated. Set aside.
  • Heat the pine nuts in a large skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, tossing consistently to avoid burning. When the pine nuts are golden brown, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
    A close up of sesame seeds on a black surface.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to al dente. Set 1 cup of pasta water aside before straining. Strain the pasta and set aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat. When the olive oil is fragrant, add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn a light pink color and begin to curl. The internal temperature should be at least 145ºF (USDA). Immediately remove the shrimp from the pan and discard any excess liquid from the skillet.
    Grilled shrimp in a skillet with herbs.
  • Heat the last tablespoon of olive oil over medium/high heat in the same large skillet. When the olive oil is fragrant, add the onion to the skillet. Saute for 3 minutes. Add the garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, and toss. Saute all of the vegetables together until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
    A skillet filled with greens and a wooden spoon.
  • Add the heavy cream and pasta water to the skillet with the spinach mixture and whisk the ingredients together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and whisk.
    A skillet filled with spinach and mushrooms.
  • When the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from heat and slowly add in the parmesan cheese stirring consistently until the parmesan has melted completely.
    A skillet filled with spinach and cheese with a wooden spoon.
  • Return the sauce to low heat and add the shrimp. Heat until the shrimp is warm, and then add the fettucini and toss until the pasta is coated in sauce.
    A skillet filled with pasta and shrimp.
  • Top with toasted pine nuts, black pepper, and fresh basil. Enjoy.
    A bowl of pasta with shrimp and basil.

Tips & Notes

  • We used fettuccini noodles, but you can use any type of pasta. If you don’t have shrimp, you can use chicken or steak.
  • Be sure to bring the heavy cream sauce to a gentle simmer before adding the cheese, or it will clump.
  • We recommend adding the parmesan slowly while whisking consistently to avoid clumping.
  • Do not skip the spice mixture on the shrimp, it is what adds the amazing flavor. If you are worried about overcooked shrimp, it’s ok to undercook the shrimp in step 3 because it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce in step 9.
  • If you would like more alfredo sauce, feel free to double the recipe.

Watch it

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g