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To make Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp, you will need the following fresh and simple ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Zest of 1 lemon - Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Each ingredient plays a key role. The shrimp gives the dish its main protein. Garlic adds rich flavor, while heavy cream creates that luscious sauce. Broth adds depth, and smoked paprika gives a nice smokiness. I love using fresh parsley to brighten the dish. A little lemon zest lifts all the flavors. If you want extra creaminess, Parmesan is a great choice. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a delicious meal in no time! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, rinse the shrimp under cold water. This step helps to remove any grit. Next, pat them dry with paper towels. This keeps the shrimp from steaming when you cook them. For flavor, season the shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. The smoked paprika adds a nice depth. Use a large skillet for this step. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. Watch closely to avoid burning. When it becomes fragrant, it’s ready for the next step. Now, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes on each side. Look for a pink and opaque color. This shows they are done. After cooking, remove the shrimp and set them aside. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom. This adds flavor to the sauce. Bring it to a simmer and let it reduce for about 3-4 minutes. This thickens the broth nicely. Then, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. If you want extra creaminess, add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Mix them into the creamy sauce. Heat everything through for about 1-2 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For a fresh twist, add lemon zest. This brightens the dish and enhances the flavor. Enjoy your creamy garlic shrimp! To cook shrimp just right, watch for a few signs. When shrimp turns pink and opaque, it's ready. This takes about 2 minutes per side. Overcooking makes shrimp tough and rubbery. If they curl tightly, they are likely overdone. Remove them from heat when they look perfect. To boost flavor, consider adding fresh herbs. Basil, dill, or thyme work well. You can also try a dash of cayenne for heat. For a zesty note, add lemon juice or zest. These small tweaks can make your dish stand out. Don't be afraid to experiment with spices you love. Pair your creamy garlic shrimp with a variety of sides. Serve it over pasta or rice for a filling meal. You can also add steamed veggies for color and nutrition. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the dish well. For a hearty option, try crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for fresh shrimp whenever possible; it enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and opaque, which usually takes just 2 minutes per side. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, add more Parmesan cheese or even a splash of white wine for depth. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the garnish! Fresh parsley and lemon zest add brightness and elevate the dish visually. {{image_2}} You can easily swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken thighs work well. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Cook them the same way as shrimp, but add a few more minutes to ensure they cook through. Tofu is also tasty. Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Just cube it and sauté until golden before adding to the sauce. If you want a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. This small change can make a big difference! You can also mix in a splash of hot sauce for a different heat profile. This adds depth and excitement to the dish. For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. It adds a nice creaminess without dairy. If you are gluten-free, ensure your broth is gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free pasta as a base to serve the dish. These swaps keep the dish delicious while fitting your needs. To store your creamy garlic shrimp, place it in an airtight container. Ensure the dish cools to room temperature before sealing it. This prevents steam buildup, which can make the shrimp soggy. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on low heat. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce creamy. If you want to save the dish for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the shrimp cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to two months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stove. This keeps the shrimp from becoming rubbery. In the fridge, creamy garlic shrimp lasts for about three days. If frozen, it stays good for two months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating leftovers. If it smells off or looks strange, it's best to toss it. Storing your shrimp properly ensures it stays fresh and tasty for your next meal. It takes about 20 minutes to make this dish. You will spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking the shrimp and sauce takes about 10 minutes. This quick time means you can enjoy a tasty meal without much hassle. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This method is quick and helps keep the shrimp tender. I suggest pairing the shrimp with rice or pasta. A fresh salad also works great. You can serve it with garlic bread to soak up the sauce. These sides make for a complete and satisfying meal. To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer. This helps reduce the liquid. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. If you prefer, stir in more grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess. This blog post covers how to make creamy garlic shrimp. You learned about the key ingredients, from shrimp to garlic to cream. I provided step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and variations to suit your taste. Now you have the know-how to impress your family and friends with a delicious meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and substitutes. May your creamy garlic shrimp always be a hit!

Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp

A quick and delicious creamy garlic shrimp dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 zest lemon (for brightness)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. If using, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, mixing them into the creamy sauce. Let them heat through for about 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, and add lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
  • Once heated, remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Add more lemon zest for extra brightness.
Keyword creamy, easy, garlic, quick, shrimp