Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon mixed dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish - Lemon wedges, for serving - Additional herbs for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for adding a cheesy flavor For a creamy garlic shrimp dish, quality ingredients matter. Fresh shrimp gives the best taste. I often choose wild-caught shrimp for flavor and texture. Garlic adds a punch, while olive oil helps everything cook nicely. Unsalted butter enriches the sauce, creating that creamy texture we love. Using heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Smoked paprika gives a nice depth. The dried Italian herbs add a hint of earthiness. Don't forget to season with salt and black pepper, as they bring out all the flavors. For a personal touch, try adding fresh herbs or grated Parmesan on top. These optional ingredients elevate your dish, making it even more special. You can find the full recipe in the article for a detailed guide. - First, gather all your ingredients and tools. You need a large skillet, a spatula, and measuring cups. - Next, prepare the shrimp. If they are not already peeled and deveined, do that now. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. - In your large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. - Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about one minute. The garlic should smell great but not brown. - Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. - Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet. Place them on a warm plate. Cover them loosely to keep them warm. - In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. Let it melt completely. Then, pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to mix both ingredients smoothly. - Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. - Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently fold them into the creamy sauce. Let it heat through for another 2 minutes. - Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper to suit your taste. - Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Generously garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley. - Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over fluffy jasmine rice or alongside crusty artisan bread. Don’t forget lemon wedges for a fresh zest that brightens the dish. For the full recipe, check out the full recipe section. To make the best creamy garlic shrimp, start with fresh shrimp. They should be pink and firm. Rinse them under cold water. Next, season them well with salt and pepper. This step adds flavor to the dish. When cooking, heat your pan until it shimmers. This helps to cook the shrimp evenly. For the creamy sauce, keep the heat low. If it's too high, the cream may split. Stir often to combine the cream with the shrimp. You can boost the flavor with fresh herbs. Try adding basil or thyme. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives it a kick. For a richer taste, add a squeeze of lemon. This adds brightness to the creaminess. Don't forget to taste your sauce! Adjust the spices to your liking. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. If you have dietary needs, there are great swaps. Use shrimp alternatives like chicken or tofu. If you're dairy-free, choose coconut cream or cashew cream. Both give a nice texture. For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. These substitutions keep the dish delicious while fitting your diet. For the full recipe, check the details above! {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish fit different diets. For a keto-friendly option, just swap the heavy cream with a low-carb cream alternative, like coconut cream. This keeps the dish rich without the carbs. You can also use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to keep it low-carb. If you need a gluten-free version, this recipe is already gluten-free! Just ensure your seasonings are free from gluten. Check labels on any store-bought ingredients to be safe. To add more color and flavor, toss in some vegetables. Spinach wilts down nicely and adds nutrients. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch. You can add them while cooking the garlic for an extra flavor boost. If you want a seafood mix, try adding scallops or crab. These add a new taste and texture to the dish. Simply cook them with the shrimp until they are done. For a Mediterranean twist, add olives or sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients enhance the flavors and give a nice kick. Just stir them in before serving to keep them bright and fresh. If you crave heat, try Cajun seasoning. It adds a spicy kick that can elevate the dish. Mix in some cayenne pepper or Cajun spice blend after cooking the garlic. This will bring a whole new level of flavor to your creamy garlic shrimp. Feel free to get creative with these ideas! The full recipe can be your guide as you explore different tastes. To store leftovers, let the shrimp cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh for up to three days in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat gently on low heat. This helps to keep the shrimp tender. You can freeze creamy garlic shrimp for up to three months. To freeze, let it cool completely. Transfer the shrimp into a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air and seal it tightly. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Heat gently on the stove to keep the sauce creamy and the shrimp tender. For quicker cooking, prep ingredients ahead. You can clean and chop garlic and parsley. Store them in the fridge. You can also season the shrimp in advance. This saves time when you cook. Keep the shrimp and sauce separate until just before serving for the best texture. How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked? Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should also curl slightly. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes when sautéed over medium heat. If they look shiny and firm, they are ready. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in cold water for quicker thawing. Once thawed, they can be cooked just like fresh shrimp. What can I serve with creamy garlic shrimp? Creamy garlic shrimp pairs well with fluffy jasmine rice or crusty bread. You can also serve it over pasta for a hearty meal. Add a side salad for some crunch and freshness. Is there a way to make this recipe lighter in calories? You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It will reduce the calories but still provide a creamy texture. You can also cut down on the butter or use a non-dairy substitute. What is the best method for sautéing shrimp? The best method is to heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic first, then shrimp. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. This helps them cook evenly and prevents burning. How can I thicken the sauce further if needed? If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a little cornstarch mixed with water. Stir it into the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. This will help it thicken nicely without changing the flavor. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions. This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps to make creamy garlic shrimp. I shared cooking tips, variations, and storage advice to help you enjoy this dish. With fresh shrimp, a rich sauce, and easy adjustments, you can create a delightful meal. Remember, the real magic lies in personalizing your dish to your taste. Enjoy making this recipe your own!$

Discover the perfect recipe for a quick and delicious meal with this Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp! This dish is packed with flavor and can be whipped up in no time using simple ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe walks you through every step to impress your loved ones with a gourmet touch. Dive into the creamy goodness and elevate your dinner tonight—click through to explore the full recipe!

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Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon mixed dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for approximately 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but has not yet browned.

Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook the shrimp, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque.

Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and transfer them to a warm plate, covering them loosely to retain heat.

In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Then pour in the heavy cream, stirring vigorously to combine both ingredients smoothly.

Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce begins to slightly thicken.

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently folding them into the creamy sauce. Let the mixture heat through for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the shrimp are warmed in the sauce.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if necessary, to suit your palate.

Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and generously garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 4

- Serving Suggestions: Present the creamy garlic shrimp beautifully over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice or alongside crusty artisan bread, perfect for sopping up the rich sauce. Don’t forget to add lemon wedges for a zest of freshness that elevates the dish!