This creamy garlic paprika shrimp skillet is a luscious, indulgent dish perfect for seafood lovers. The shrimp are perfectly cooked, enveloped in a rich, garlicky sauce with a hint of smokiness from the paprika. The creaminess of the sauce complements the shrimp’s delicate flavor, making every bite an experience to savor.
Whether served over a bed of rice, pasta, or alongside a fresh salad, this dish makes for a versatile and elegant meal. The fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch of color, and the creamy texture of the sauce takes the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s an easy yet impressive choice for any dinner party or cozy meal at home.
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp is pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping any bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in butter and return the shrimp to the skillet, coating them with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp Skillet: A Delicious and Flavorful Seafood Dish
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful seafood dish that is both indulgent and easy to prepare, the Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp Skillet is the perfect option. This dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a creamy garlic sauce with a touch of smoky paprika, creating a deliciously rich and savory flavor profile. It is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, offering a combination of simplicity and sophistication that will impress your family or guests.
The creamy sauce is the star of the show in this dish, bringing together the sweetness of the shrimp and the smoky richness of paprika. The garlic adds an aromatic depth to the dish, while the heavy cream forms a velvety base that binds all the ingredients together. The shrimp, with its delicate texture and subtle sweetness, pairs perfectly with the sauce, making every bite a delightful experience. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish offers a stunning presentation that’s sure to please both the eyes and the palate.
How to Make the Perfect Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp Skillet
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that is packed with flavor. Start by selecting the freshest shrimp available, as they will be the foundation of your dish. Fresh shrimp have a firm texture and a clean, briny scent, which will enhance the overall flavor of the skillet. Be sure to peel and devein the shrimp before cooking, as this will make the preparation process easier and more enjoyable.
Once your shrimp are prepped, season them generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Smoked paprika is key to this dish, as it imparts a unique smoky flavor that adds depth to the creamy sauce. You can adjust the amount of paprika depending on how much smokiness you prefer, but it’s important not to overdo it so the flavor doesn’t overwhelm the shrimp.
The next step is to sauté the shrimp in olive oil over medium-high heat until they turn pink and opaque. The shrimp should be cooked just enough to turn tender and juicy, so avoid overcooking them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough, which is why it’s essential to remove them from the skillet once they are done and set them aside.
In the same skillet, you’ll sauté garlic until fragrant and golden. The garlic is the foundation of the creamy sauce, infusing it with a rich, aromatic flavor. After cooking the garlic, add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. As the cream thickens, it will create a luscious sauce that will coat the shrimp perfectly.
Once the cream has thickened to your liking, return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce, making sure they are well coated. The sauce will absorb the flavors of the shrimp, creating a delicious and harmonious dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and an added layer of freshness.
Health Benefits of the Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp Skillet
This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers several health benefits. Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood that provides essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. It’s an excellent option for those looking to increase their protein intake while keeping their calorie count in check. The garlic in this dish is another healthful ingredient, known for its immune-boosting properties. Garlic has been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure, and support heart health.
While the cream adds richness to the dish, you can make substitutions if you’re looking for a lighter version. Using half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream will reduce the fat content while still maintaining the creamy texture of the sauce. For those following a dairy-free diet, coconut milk is a fantastic option that brings its own subtle sweetness to the dish.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the great things about the Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp Skillet is its versatility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. For a different twist, try adding diced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor and color. Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano can also be added for a burst of freshness and complexity.
If you’re not a fan of shrimp or want to switch things up, you can substitute chicken breast for the shrimp. Chicken works well with this creamy sauce, although it will require slightly more cooking time. Simply dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook them until golden and fully cooked through before following the rest of the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
To make the most of this dish, consider serving it with a variety of sides that complement the creamy shrimp. Steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans make a healthy and flavorful pairing. For a heartier meal, serve the shrimp skillet over rice, quinoa, or pasta. The sauce is rich and flavorful, so a crusty piece of bread for dipping is always a crowd-pleaser.
A crisp side salad is another great accompaniment, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shrimp. Choose a salad with a tangy vinaigrette or lemon dressing to cut through the creaminess and add a burst of citrus.
Conclusion: A Dish Worth Repeating
The Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp Skillet is a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of smoky paprika, creamy garlic sauce, and tender shrimp creates a satisfying dish that’s both comforting and elegant. With its versatility and ease of preparation, this recipe is a great addition to any home cook’s repertoire.
Give this dish a try and experience the deliciously rich flavors of the Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp Skillet. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a new dinner idea, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. It’s a recipe that guarantees to please everyone at the table, and it’s easy enough to make any night of the week. Enjoy!