Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes

Savor the rich flavors of Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes in this easy, delicious seafood recipe that blends succulent prawns with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, vibrant sun dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. This dish is a symphony of textures and tastes that effortlessly elevates any weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Creamy Flavors: The combination of rich cream, tangy sun dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach creates an irresistible sauce that clings perfectly to the prawns.
• Quick and Simple to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights without sacrificing gourmet taste.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich spinach, it’s a flavorful way to enjoy a wholesome meal.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Whether served over pasta, rice, or crusty bread, it pairs beautifully with many sides.
• Impressive Presentation: Vibrant reds and greens make this dish as stunning to look at as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each bringing a unique flavor or texture, making the dish burst with freshness and depth. From the succulent prawns to the creamy sauce, every component plays a crucial role.

• Fresh Prawns: Use peeled and deveined prawns for the best texture and quick cooking time.
• Spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy green layer that complements the savory sauce.
• Sun Dried Tomatoes: These provide a sweet-tart punch and beautiful color contrast.
• Heavy Cream: The base for the rich, silky sauce that ties everything together.
• Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a nutty, salty finish that enhances creaminess.
• Olive Oil and Butter: Essential for sautéing and adding richness.
• Italian Herbs (Basil, Oregano): Bring classic Mediterranean notes to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to balance flavors.

Variations for Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to accommodate dietary preferences or add new flavors, these variations help you keep the foundation while switching things up.

• Swap Prawns for Chicken: Use thinly sliced chicken breast for a similar texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan-friendly option.
• Extra Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to amp up the veggie content.
• Spice it Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for a mild kick.
• Herb Variations: Fresh thyme or rosemary can give the dish a unique, earthy aroma.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Prawns

Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the peeled and deveined prawns with salt and pepper, then sauté them for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the prawns from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add chopped sun dried tomatoes and stir for another minute, allowing their flavor to fully infuse the oil.

Step 3: Add Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Spinach and Herbs

Add a generous handful of fresh spinach leaves along with Italian herbs. Stir constantly to wilt the spinach evenly and ensure all flavors blend seamlessly.

Step 5: Return Prawns to the Pan

Return the cooked prawns to the skillet and toss gently in the creamy sauce, coating them well. Let everything heat together for a minute or two so the prawns absorb those Tuscan flavors.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes

• Don’t Overcook the Prawns: Prawns cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long, so watch the timing carefully.
• Use High-Quality Sun Dried Tomatoes: Opt for sun dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer taste and better texture.
• Fresh Spinach Works Best: Baby spinach wilts evenly and adds a tender, fresh layer to the dish.
• Grate Your Own Parmesan: Store-bought pre-grated cheese often contains additives that affect melting and flavor.
• Serve Immediately: The creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh to keep its silky texture.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil not only adds a pop of green color but also complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fluffy bed of garlic buttered pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or even crusty artisan bread to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve your creamy Tuscan prawns in shallow pasta bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side. Alternatively, spoon it over roasted vegetables for a low-carb option that looks gorgeous on the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Creamy sauces with dairy do not always freeze well due to texture changes, but you can freeze the cooked prawns separately in a sealed container for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of cream or broth can restore the sauce’s smooth consistency.

FAQs

Can I substitute prawns with another protein?

Absolutely! Chicken breast or firm white fish fillets work great as alternatives and pair well with the creamy Tuscan sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides or skip the bread and pasta.

How spicy is Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes?

This dish is mild and flavorful, but you can easily add red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.

Can I use frozen prawns?

Frozen prawns work fine; just thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.

What’s the best way to clean prawns?

If you buy unpeeled prawns, rinse them under cold water, peel off the shells, devein by removing the dark vein along the back, and pat dry before cooking.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes are a show-stopping dish that brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of luxury to your table. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or just looking to impress your loved ones, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, tomato-kissed bite!

Related Posts

• Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon
• Sticky Orange Gochujang Salmon Bowl
• zucchini pasta

Print