Introduction
Transform humble shrimp into a restaurant-worthy dish in under 20 minutes! This Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet is your new weeknight hero, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. Ready to impress your family with minimal effort? Let’s get cooking!
Why This Works
This recipe shines because it’s a perfect blend of speed, flavor, and simplicity. The paprika adds a smoky depth, the garlic provides pungent warmth, and the cream creates a luxuriously rich sauce that clings beautifully to the shrimp. It’s a complete meal in one skillet—easy cleanup included!
Key Ingredients
- 🍤 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌶️ 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 🧈 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 🍅 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🥛 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2️⃣ Stir in smoked paprika and cook for another 15 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom.
3️⃣ Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4️⃣ Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
5️⃣ Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
6️⃣ Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
7️⃣ Stir in chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately over rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Handy Tips
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking for better browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook shrimp in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.
Heat Control
Medium heat is key here. Too high, and you risk burning the garlic and shrimp. Too low, and the shrimp may become rubbery and the sauce won’t thicken properly. Keep a close eye on the skillet and adjust as needed.
Crunch Factor
While this dish is creamy and smooth, you can add a delightful textural contrast by serving it over a bed of crunchy toasted bread crumbs or a side salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use pre-minced garlic to save time, but fresh garlic always tastes best.
- A splash of white wine added with the cream enhances the richness and complexity of the sauce.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t ideal for gifting unless you are delivering it fresh! It’s best enjoyed immediately after cooking.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Lemon-Herb: Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon along with fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.
🌟 Spicy: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
🌟 Creamy Tomato: Increase the amount of cherry tomatoes and add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor.
🌟 Garlic Lovers: Add an extra 2-3 cloves of minced garlic for a stronger garlic punch.
Troubleshooting
- Shrimp is overcooked: Reduce cooking time and lower the heat.
- Sauce is too thin: Simmer for a longer period to allow the sauce to reduce.
- Shrimp is rubbery: This is usually due to overcooking. Ensure you cook the shrimp just until pink and opaque.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- What kind of rice pairs best? Long grain white rice or basmati rice are excellent choices.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time.
- What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or coconut cream, but the sauce will have a slightly different consistency and flavor.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet is a true weeknight winner! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite. Share your culinary creations and tag us on social media! Enjoy!
30-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Weeknight Dinner Winner
A quick and delicious creamy garlic shrimp dish that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta or rice (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sautu00e9 for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over cooked pasta or rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.