Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent, seared shrimp bathed in a rich and luscious garlic cream sauce with a hint of paprika and lemon. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines bold flavors and creamy textures for a satisfying seafood meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or sweet paprika (divided)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or seafood broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the fat: Warm the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for searing the shrimp.
- Season and sear shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and half of the paprika. Sear in the hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook garlic and spices: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add the remaining paprika and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine the flavors.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or seafood broth, stirring well to blend. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cheese and lemon: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice to enrich and brighten the sauce. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Finish cooking shrimp: Cook shrimp in the sauce for another 2 minutes until heated through and fully flavored.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh herbal note and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
- Use seafood broth for a deeper seafood flavor or chicken broth as a mild alternative.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: shrimp recipe, creamy garlic shrimp, easy shrimp dinner, seafood skillet, garlic cream sauce
