Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes

Savor rich and flavorful Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes, a quick and easy dinner perfect for any night. This dish brings together tender prawns bathed in a luscious creamy sauce, complemented by vibrant spinach and tangy sun dried tomatoes. It’s a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that feels elegant yet is surprisingly simple to prepare, giving you a restaurant-quality meal straight from your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Elegance: You get a gourmet-level entrée with minimal prep and cooking time.
  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy sauce, savory prawns, and tart sun dried tomatoes creates an irresistible taste.
  • Nutritious Twist: Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and plenty of vitamins without overpowering the dish.
  • Versatile Meal: Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests during special occasions.
  • Quick Cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes recipe, the ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color.

  • Prawns: Fresh or thawed prawns provide the protein base, bringing a delicate sweetness and firm texture.
  • Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds freshness and vivid green color that brightens the plate.
  • Sun Dried Tomatoes: These add tang and chewy texture, infusing the creamy sauce with depth.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that ties the flavors together.
  • Garlic: A must-have aromatic that enhances every bite with its warm, savory notes.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertones and enriches the sauce’s creaminess.
  • Olive Oil: Used to sauté prawns and release flavor from garlic and tomatoes.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme brings that classic Tuscan essence.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.

Variations for Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes

Feel free to personalize this recipe according to your taste or dietary needs. Its flexibility makes it easy to swap ingredients or adjust flavors.

  • Protein Swap: Replace prawns with chicken breast or scallops for a different take on the creamy Tuscan theme.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or cashew cream to keep the sauce creamy without dairy.
  • Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to bulk up the dish and add more texture.
  • Spice it Up: Toss in a pinch of red chili flakes or fresh chopped chili for a subtle heat kick.
  • Herbal Twist: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh basil or tarragon for a brighter herbal note.
Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and deveining the prawns if needed, then finely chop the garlic and sun dried tomatoes. Wash and drain the spinach thoroughly to remove any excess water that could dilute the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Prawns

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the prawns, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes each side until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the garlic until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the chopped sun dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the cream to thicken slightly, then stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Spinach and Prawns

Add the fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until it wilts down completely. Return the cooked prawns to the pan, coating them in the creamy mixture. Let everything warm together for another minute.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

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

  • Use Room Temperature Prawns: It helps them cook evenly and prevents rubbery texture.
  • Don’t Overcook the Prawns: They cook quickly and become tough if left too long in the pan or sauce.
  • Reserve Some Pasta Water: If serving over pasta, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
  • Opt for High-Quality Sun Dried Tomatoes: They make a big difference in depth of flavor and texture.
  • Fresh Parmesan: Grate it yourself for a creamier sauce and richer taste compared to pre-grated versions.

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

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top to add color and a fresh herbal aroma that lifts the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with al dente pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or simply crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a rustic yet elegant presentation that invites you to dive right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to preserve freshness and avoid spoilage.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the cream sauce separating upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from curdling, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess water that can dilute the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just double-check that any added ingredients like seasoning blends are gluten-free.

Can I make this dish vegan?

You can swap prawns for tofu or mushrooms and use plant-based cream alternatives, but the flavor profile will differ slightly.

What can I serve it with besides pasta?

Try serving it with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even roasted vegetables for a low-carb option.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 25 to 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Final Thoughts

Give this Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes recipe a try the next time you want something quick, delicious, and a little special. The harmony of creamy sauce, tender prawns, and tangy sun dried tomatoes is just the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Once you make it, it’s sure to become one of your go-to meals that never fails to impress.

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Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes

Savor rich and flavorful Creamy Tuscan Prawns with Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes, a quick and easy dinner perfect for any night. This dish blends tender prawns in a luscious creamy sauce with vibrant spinach and tangy sun dried tomatoes, delivering an elegant yet simple restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes.

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Tuscan/Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Prawns & Vegetables

  • 400g fresh or thawed prawns, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and drained
  • 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped

Sauce & Flavorings

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and devein the prawns if needed. Finely chop the garlic and sun dried tomatoes. Wash and drain the spinach thoroughly to remove excess water that may dilute the sauce.
  2. Sauté the Prawns: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season the prawns lightly with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Create the Flavor Base: In the same pan, add more olive oil if necessary. Sauté the garlic until fragrant without browning it. Stir in the chopped sun dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow it to thicken slightly, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine Spinach and Prawns: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until it wilts completely. Return the cooked prawns to the pan, coating them thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Warm everything together for another minute.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature prawns to ensure even cooking and prevent rubbery texture.
  • Avoid overcooking the prawns as they become tough if cooked too long.
  • If serving over pasta, reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
  • Choose high-quality sun dried tomatoes for more depth of flavor and texture.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for a creamier sauce and richer taste compared to pre-grated varieties.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Prawns, Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Quick Dinner, Gluten Free, Italian Seafood Dish

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