High-Protein Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Creamy Tuscan-style shrimp with spinach and tomatoes — low-carb, sugar-free, and ready in 25 minutes

This high-protein creamy Tuscan shrimp is rich, garlicky, and packed with flavor. Juicy shrimp simmer in a creamy sauce with spinach, tomatoes, and Italian herbs for a restaurant-quality meal that delivers 32 g of protein and only 6 g net carbs per serving.

Low-carb, sugar-free, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Prep10 min

Cook15 min

Servings4

Protein32g

Net Carbs6g

Calories310

Why you’ll love this dish

32g protein per serving — a complete high-protein meal
Only 6g net carbs and fully sugar-free
Creamy Tuscan flavors with garlic, spinach, and tomatoes
Ready in about 25 minutes
One-pan meal with easy cleanup
Restaurant-quality taste at home

Health notes

High protein: Shrimp delivers a big protein boost with very little fat.
Low carb: No pasta or rice — just shrimp, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.
Sugar-free: No added sugar in the sauce or seasoning.
Quick: From stove to table in under 30 minutes.

Key element — don’t overcook the shrimp

Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender and juicy.

Ingredients

Shrimp & sauce

1½ lbs (680g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 Tbsp olive oil or butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped) or cherry tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut cream
½ cup chicken broth or seafood stock
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Fresh parsley for garnish

Swaps

Higher protein: Add a scoop of unflavored collagen or extra Parmesan.
Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese.
Extra vegetables: Stir in mushrooms or zucchini with the spinach.
Chicken version: Swap shrimp for cubed chicken breast (cook a few minutes longer).

Instructions

Season the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Sear the shrimp. Heat the oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove to a plate.

Build the sauce. In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried (or cherry) tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the cream and broth, then simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Finish the dish. Stir in the Parmesan until melted. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Return the shrimp to the pan and warm through for 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Pro tips

Pat the shrimp very dry so they sear instead of steam.
Do not overcook the shrimp — they continue cooking slightly in the hot sauce.
For a thicker sauce, simmer a minute longer or add a bit more Parmesan.
Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or with a side of crusty low-carb bread.
This dish reheats well for leftovers the next day.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	310
Protein	32g
Net carbohydrates	6g
Total carbohydrates	8g
Fiber	2g
Total fat	16g
Sodium	620mg

Estimates based on shrimp, cream, Parmesan, and vegetables. Exact numbers vary with shrimp size and cream brand.

Variations

Spicy Tuscan

Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Extra creamy

Stir in 2 oz cream cheese at the end for an even richer sauce.

Chicken Tuscan

Replace the shrimp with bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until fully done before building the sauce.

Mushroom version

Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra depth and texture.

Storage

Method	Time	Notes
Refrigerator	Up to 3 days	Store covered
Freezer	Up to 1 month	Sauce may separate slightly; reheat gently
Reheat	Stovetop or microwave	Warm gently to avoid toughening the shrimp

FAQ

Yes. At only 6g net carbs per serving it fits easily into most keto and low-carb plans.

Yes. Thaw completely and pat very dry before cooking so they sear properly.

It may have boiled too hard. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer and stir in the cheese off the heat if needed.

The sauce can be made ahead, but cook the shrimp just before serving for the best texture.

Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or a simple side salad all pair well.

Whole milk will work but the sauce will be thinner. For best results stick with heavy cream or full-fat coconut cream.

Test your knowledge

5 quick questions about this creamy Tuscan shrimp

1. Protein per serving?

2. Net carbs per serving?

3. Why avoid overcooking the shrimp?

4. About how long does this take?

5. Best way to reheat leftovers?

High-Protein Creamy Tuscan Shrimp