Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes

If you’re craving a dish that delivers rich, comforting flavors with a punch of freshness, Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes is your ultimate go-to. This recipe blends succulent prawns with a luscious creamy sauce, vibrant spinach, and the tangy zing of sun dried tomatoes, creating a dish that’s perfect for an easy yet impressive weeknight meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a gathering, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple, promising a feast that delights every palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights without sacrificing flavor.
• Rich Flavors: Creamy sauce paired with sun dried tomatoes delivers a delicious balance of savory and tangy.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from prawns and vitamins from fresh spinach.
• Versatile Dish: Works beautifully as a standalone meal or paired with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
• Elegant Presentation: Looks restaurant-worthy without complex techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes recipe lies in its simple but flavorful ingredients. Each component enhances the dish’s texture, color, and depth, ensuring every bite bursts with deliciousness.

• Fresh Prawns: Use peeled and deveined prawns for quick cooking and tender texture.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds vibrant green color and a slight earthiness to the creamy base.
• Sun Dried Tomatoes: These bring a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce that coats everything in comforting richness.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
• Onion or Shallots: Adds a mild sweetness and foundation to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor that enhances the creaminess.
• Olive Oil & Butter: Used to sauté ingredients and deepen flavor layers.
• Italian Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Thyme): Infuse classic Tuscan flavors for an authentic finish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential to balance and enhance overall taste.

Variations for Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes

This recipe offers plenty of room to express your personal flair or cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make it uniquely yours!

• Swap the Protein: Replace prawns with chicken breast or firm tofu for a different twist.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and parmesan for a dairy-free option.
• Spice it Up: Add red chili flakes or fresh jalapeño for an extra kick.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutrition and texture.
• Herb Alternatives: Try fresh rosemary or sage for varied herbal notes.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and deveining your prawns if needed, finely chop garlic and onion (or shallots), and roughly chop sun dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. This prep will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Prawns

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Toss in the prawns and sauté until they turn pink and are just cooked through, roughly 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the prawns and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

In the same pan, add chopped sun dried tomatoes and herbs, stirring them into the remaining oil and butter. Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently, thickening slightly. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is silky and smooth.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Combine

Stir in fresh spinach leaves, letting them wilt slowly in the sauce. Then return the cooked prawns to the pan, tossing everything together to ensure they are well coated in the creamy mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Give the dish a last gentle toss before turning off the heat. Serve immediately with your choice of sides and garnishes for a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

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

• Use Fresh Prawns: Fresh prawns make a big difference in texture and flavor compared to frozen ones.
• Don’t Overcook Prawns: Prawns cook quickly; overcooking makes them rubbery.
• Quality Sun Dried Tomatoes: Opt for tomatoes packed in oil for richer taste.
• Low and Slow Simmer for Sauce: Let the sauce thicken gently on low heat to avoid curdling.
• Fresh Herbs Only: Fresh basil and oregano give a bright, authentic Tuscan flavor that dried herbs can’t match.

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

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley add a burst of color and freshness that beautifully complements the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread, fluffy rice, or simple buttered pasta, all of which soak up the sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the prawns over a bed of zucchini noodles for a low-carb option or in large lettuce cups for a light, fun presentation that’s perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover prawns and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. This keeps the flavors intact and makes for easy next-day meals.

Freezing

While freezing this dish is possible, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. If freezing, use freezer-safe containers and consume within one month.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the cream from separating, stirring frequently until warmed through. Avoid using high heat or microwave directly at full power.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure better searing.

Is this dish spicy?

This recipe is mild and creamy by default, but you can easily add chili flakes or fresh chilies to introduce some heat if desired.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half combined with a bit of cream cheese or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version, adjusting to achieve desired creaminess.

How long does the dish take to prepare?

From start to finish, this recipe typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just be sure to check the labels on your sun dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese to avoid additives.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about how Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes combines comforting creaminess with fresh, vibrant ingredients. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough for any night but feels indulgent like a special occasion. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite go-to meal that brings a little bit of Tuscany right to your kitchen.

Related Posts

• Creamy Beef and Shells
• Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon
• Sticky Orange Gochujang Salmon Bowl

Print