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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced Large shrimp are the star of this dish. They provide a sweet and tender bite. I recommend peeling and deveining them for a clean taste and easy eating. Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the shrimp. Garlic brings a warm, rich aroma that makes your kitchen smell amazing. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Chicken broth adds depth to the flavor. Paprika gives a subtle smokiness, while red pepper flakes can add a kick. Salt and pepper balance the dish, enhancing all the flavors. - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon Fresh parsley brightens the dish with color and freshness. Lemon zest adds a burst of citrus that cuts through the creaminess. Together, they elevate the dish, making it look and taste gourmet. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab your large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. This oil adds flavor and helps cook the shrimp. Next, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. Watch closely! You want it fragrant but not burned. Now, it’s time to add the shrimp. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for 2-3 minutes. Turn the shrimp halfway through. They should turn pink and opaque. This shows they’re cooked perfectly. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet. Set them aside on a plate. In that same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to mix them. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Now, add the paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This helps it thicken slightly and allows the flavors to meld together. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir well to coat them in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat the shrimp through. Now, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the lemon zest and chopped parsley. Toss everything together for a fresh finish. Serve your creamy garlic shrimp right away! Enjoy it over pasta, rice, or any side you like. - Ensuring shrimp stay tender To keep shrimp tender, cook them quickly. Use medium-high heat. When they turn pink, they are done. Overcooking makes them tough. Always check them closely! - Flavor infusion methods Infuse flavor by sautéing garlic in olive oil first. This step adds depth to the dish. You can also sprinkle spices directly onto shrimp while cooking. Try adding herbs at the end for fresh flavor. - Recommended skillet types A non-stick skillet works best for this recipe. It helps prevent sticking. A cast iron skillet can also be great. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned for even cooking. - Essential cooking tools You need a spatula for flipping shrimp and a whisk for sauces. Measuring spoons are key for spices. A sharp knife helps with chopping garlic and parsley. - Prepping ingredients in advance Chop garlic and parsley ahead of time. You can even measure out spices. This saves you time when cooking. Keep everything in small bowls for easy access. - Quick cooking strategies Use high heat for fast cooking. Cook shrimp in batches if your skillet is small. This prevents them from steaming and helps them cook evenly. Always have your sauce ready to go when the shrimp are done. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Best: Always opt for fresh shrimp over frozen when possible for the best flavor and texture. Adjust the Heat: Modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. Start with less and add more as needed. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and opaque within 2-3 minutes to avoid a rubbery texture. Lemon Zest Adds Brightness: Don’t skip the lemon zest at the end; it brightens the dish and enhances the overall flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch out some ingredients to fit your needs. If you want to avoid dairy, try using coconut cream or almond milk. These options keep the dish creamy while adding a unique flavor. For proteins, you can use chicken or scallops instead of shrimp. If you prefer veggies, mix in some spinach or bell peppers for color and crunch. There are many ways to boost the flavor of this dish. Adding cheese like Parmesan or feta can make it richer and more savory. Fresh herbs, like basil or dill, can also brighten the taste. If you like heat, try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder. These spices add depth and kick to the creamy sauce. Pairing creamy garlic shrimp with pasta or rice makes for a great meal. The sauce coats the noodles or grains, making every bite delicious. You can also serve it as a side dish. It goes well with grilled meats or veggies. For a light touch, add a fresh salad on the side. This creates a balanced plate that pleases everyone. To keep your creamy garlic shrimp fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the shrimp in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps stop bacteria from growing. The shrimp will stay good for up to three days in the fridge. You can freeze creamy shrimp for later enjoyment. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also microwave it in short bursts, checking every 30 seconds. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the shrimp smells sour or looks discolored, it’s best to throw it away. When reheating, make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful germs. This keeps your meal safe and tasty. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. They work well in this dish. Thaw them first in cold water. This helps keep them juicy. If you do not have time to thaw, you can add them straight to the pan. Just cook them a little longer. Fresh shrimp have a firmer texture, while frozen shrimp may be softer. Both taste great in creamy garlic shrimp. You can pair this dish with many sides. Here are some great options: - Cooked pasta, like fettuccine or linguine - Steamed rice or quinoa - Garlic bread for a crunchy side - A fresh green salad with lemon dressing These sides soak up the creamy sauce. They make your meal feel complete and satisfying. To lighten up creamy garlic shrimp, you can swap some ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream - Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth - Cut back on olive oil to just 1 tablespoon These changes keep the flavor while making it healthier. You can still enjoy a creamy dish without all the fat! In this blog post, we explored how to make creamy garlic shrimp, focusing on key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips. Understanding the right cooking methods and flavors can elevate your dish. You learned about ingredient swaps for variety and safe storage practices to keep your leftovers fresh. I hope these insights inspire you to create this delicious meal and feel confident in your cooking. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and techniques, and happy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Delights

A rich and flavorful shrimp dish cooked in a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for serving over pasta or rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 2 chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 2 red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 4 fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they turn pink and opaque.
  • Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste, and let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
  • Remove from heat and add the lemon zest and chopped parsley. Toss everything together.
  • Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or your choice of side.

Notes

Serve the creamy garlic shrimp in a shallow bowl, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges on the side for an extra touch of freshness.
Keyword creamy, garlic, quick meal, shrimp