Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 6-8 garlic cloves (minced or chopped finely)
• 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
• 1/2 cup white wine such as pinot gris or chardonnay
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomato strips - not packed (about 3 ounces I prefer the ones sold in a bag and not the ones packed in oil)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped finely)
• 12 ounces pasta cooked until al dente (drained)
• 1/2 - 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook garlic: In a large skillet over low heat, melt the butter and stir inthe garlic. Cook on low for 2 - 3 minutes, stirring constantly . Don't let the garlic get browned.

2. 2

   Cook Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook on medium heat until it starts to get pink side (about 2 minutes on one side, and about a minute on the other). Transfer to a plate. The shrimp should not be fully cooked at this point.

3. 3

   Sauté onion: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

4. 4

   Deglaze: Add the wine to deglaze the skillet, and scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen the brown bits stuck at the bottom of the skillet Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the wine reduces by about half.

5. 5

   Add sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomato strips and mix well. Cook for a couple of minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and broth and the Italian seasoning.. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring frequently over low heat.

6. 6

   Add spinach and Parmesan: Add the fresh spinach and allow them to wilt. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix to combine. Adjust seasoning.

7. 7

   Simmer: Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the fresh basil and mix well to combine. Let the shrimp cook for about 2 - 3 minutes or until cooked through.

8. 8

   Serve immediately with crusty bread or tossed with pasta. Garnish with basil and additional Parmesan (optional).

9. 9

   --- If Serving with Pasta ---

10. 10

    Add the cooked pasta into the shrimp skillet. Gently toss until the pasta is coated with the sauce. Add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, one a bit at a time, to keep the pasta creamy.