Name: Creamy Shrimp with Spinach
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 3 cups fresh baby spinach; Salt and pepper to taste

Why You’ll Love Creamy Shrimp with Spinach Recipe

It comes together in about 30 minutes — ideal for a fast dinner.
The combination of tender shrimp, creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and tangy sun‑dried tomatoes creates a deeply satisfying, balanced meal.
It’s versatile — you can serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to suit your mood or pantry.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

olive oil
medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
salt and pepper
Italian seasoning
garlic powder
cloves garlic, chopped
sun‑dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
dry white wine (e.g. Pinot Grigio)
heavy cream (or half & half)
baby spinach
Parmesan cheese, shredded
chopped parsley (optional)

Directions

Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium‑high heat. In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until evenly coated. Add shrimp to skillet and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink, then remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Add the chopped sun‑dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes over medium heat.
Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by about half to concentrate the flavor.
Reduce heat to low‑medium, then pour in the heavy cream. Once it starts bubbling, add the spinach leaves and stir until they wilt.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stir to coat with the sauce, and heat through. If desired, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 bowls
Prep time: about 5 minutes
Cook time: about 20 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Swap sun‑dried tomatoes for cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
Use half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra aromatic depth.
Serve over cauliflower rice instead of potatoes, pasta, or rice to make a lower‑carb version.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp or causing the cream sauce to separate.

FAQs

What kind of shrimp should I use?

Use peeled and deveined shrimp (frozen or fresh). If frozen, thaw them completely before cooking for even results.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh baby spinach?

Yes — frozen spinach can work, but fresh baby spinach wilts nicely in the sauce and has a fresher texture.

Can I skip the white wine?

Yes; you can omit the wine. If you do, substitute with a splash of broth or water, though wine adds extra depth of flavor.

Is there a dairy‑free alternative for the cream sauce?

You could try using a plant‑based cream or a milk‑and‑butter mixture, but the sauce will be lighter and possibly less silky than with heavy cream.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes — add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a bit of heat.

What if my sauce is too thin?

Simmer it gently over low heat a little longer to reduce and thicken, or add a bit more Parmesan to help it thicken up.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely — you can stir in mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even zucchini for extra texture and flavor.

Can I use pre‑grated Parmesan?

It’s better to use freshly shredded Parmesan; pre‑grated often contains additives that prevent smooth melting and may lead to a grainy sauce.

How to prevent overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp cook very quickly — about 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove from heat when done, then return to sauce only at the end to warm through.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing creamy sauces is generally not recommended because cream sauces tend to separate when thawed. Better to refrigerate and reheat gently.

Conclusion

This creamy shrimp with spinach recipe is a wonderfully simple yet elegant meal that brings together juicy shrimp, creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and bright sun‑dried tomato flavor — all ready in about 30 minutes. It’s flexible, satisfying, and perfect whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a more special occasion. Once you try it, you’ll likely find it becoming a go‑to in your regular rotation.