Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Creamy garlic shrimp is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the ocean right to your kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and a hint of spice. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or having a cozy dinner with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this creamy garlic shrimp recipe and how to whip it up effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp

There are countless reasons to love creamy garlic shrimp. First, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides. Whether you have pasta, rice, or even crusty bread, this dish can complement them all.

Second, the flavors in this recipe are unbeatable. The combination of garlic and cream creates a savory experience that melts in your mouth. Adding a touch of Parmesan cheese enhances the richness, giving you that delightful umami taste, while the paprika adds a beautiful color and warmth.

Moreover, it’s a meal you can prepare in under 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or even those unexpected guests. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find. You don’t need to scour specialty stores; everything can be found in your local grocery.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser! With the creamy texture and bold flavors, everyone at the table will want seconds. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s start cooking up this delicious dish!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a fast and flavorful dish that features juicy shrimp simmered in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or elegant enough for guests, this dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or pureed
• 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Optional Add-Ons: Lemon juice (to taste), fresh spinach (1–2 cups), sautéed mushrooms (1/2 cup), sun-dried tomatoes (1/4 cup)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
6. Return shrimp to the pan and stir to coat in the creamy sauce.
7. If using spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes, add them now and cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
8. Finish with a splash of lemon juice if desired. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

• Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and should remain tender!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 245mg

Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp, garlic shrimp with Parmesan sauce, shrimp in cream sauce, easy shrimp dinner, keto shrimp recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Garlic Shrimp:

Here’s a complete list of what you need to make this creamy garlic shrimp shine.

Essential Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp: Make sure they are peeled and deveined for ease in cooking. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: This helps in cooking the shrimp and adds healthy fat.
• 1 tsp paprika: This adds flavor and a nice color to your dish.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: A simple seasoning that enhances the overall taste.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors in your ingredients.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: This gives richness to the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic: Minced or pureed, garlic is the star of this dish for its aromatic flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream or half and half: This is what makes your sauce creamy and luscious.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Chicken broth keeps it lighter.
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A must-have for a cheesy, savory finish.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: This blend of spices adds a nice herbaceous layer.
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): If you enjoy a little kick, sprinkle this in!

Optional Add-Ons:

1. Lemon Juice: A splash can brighten up the flavors.
2. Spinach: Adding fresh spinach cooks down and gives a pop of color and nutrition.
3. Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can add an earthy dimension to the dish.
4. Sun-dried tomatoes: For a tangy flavor hit, consider adding these for an extra burst.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating creamy garlic shrimp is straightforward. Here’s how to do it step by step.

1. Season the Shrimp: Start by taking your peeled and deveined shrimp and placing them in a bowl. Add the paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything gently until the shrimp are well-coated with the spices. This will impart flavor right from the start.

2. Heat the Olive Oil: Grab a large skillet and pour in the olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat for about 1 minute. You want it hot enough to sear the shrimp.

3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through so they cook evenly. Once they’re pink and opaque, they’re done. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

4. Melt the Butter: Lower the heat to medium and add the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, taking in all the flavors left over from the shrimp.

5. Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring often so it doesn’t burn. You want it fragrant but not browned.

6. Add the Liquid: Stir chicken broth . Allow this mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step will deglaze the pan and bring out all those delicious bits stuck to the bottom.

7. Incorporate the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream (or half and half) and stir thoroughly to combine with the broth. The mixture should start to thicken slightly as it heats.

8. Add Cheese and Seasoning: To the creamy mixture, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir all the ingredients together. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3-4 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.

9. Return the Shrimp: Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Make sure they are well-coated in the sauce. Let them simmer on low heat for about 2 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together.

10. Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a vibrant finish. Serve your creamy garlic shrimp with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Enjoy your meal!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Creamy garlic shrimp is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some ideas to serve it with:

1. Pasta: Toss it with fettuccine or linguine for a classic combination. The sauce clings beautifully to the noodles.
2. Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the rich sauce.
3. Crusty Bread: Garlic bread or a fresh baguette will help you mop up every drop of that creamy sauce.
4. Vegetables: Pair with steamed or roasted vegetables for a healthful balance. Broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers work great.
5. Salad: A light salad can also complement the richness of the dish, providing a fresh contrast.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Garlic Shrimp

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh shrimp and garlic. They give better flavor than frozen or pre-minced varieties.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. They should only take a few minutes to cook through.
3. Adjust Thickness: If you find the sauce too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
4. Flavor Enhancements: For extra flavor, consider adding lemon zest or replacing the chicken broth with shellfish stock.
5. Allow to Rest Off-Heat: After mixing in the shrimp, let the skillet sit off the heat for a few minutes; it allows flavors to deepen.

Easy Variations for Creamy Garlic Shrimp

1. Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy twist.
2. Garlic Butter Shrimp: Skip the cream; use a mix of garlic and butter with lemon juice for a lighter garlic shrimp dish.
3. Cajun Shrimp: Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning for an added kick and an entirely new flavor profile.
4. Vegetarian Version: Swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or firm tofu for a plant-based option.

Storage Tips to Store Creamy Garlic Shrimp

If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s rare with this dish!), here’s how to store them properly:

1. Refrigeration: Place any leftover creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. You might need to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
3. Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze creamy dishes, you can freeze it for up to a month. Note that the texture might change slightly upon thawing.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic shrimp is a simple yet impressive dish that combines rich flavors with delightful textures. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or festive occasions, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious. Experiment with the optional add-ons and variations to make it your own. Now that you have the know-how, it’s time to treat yourself and your loved ones to this hearty meal. Happy cooking!

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