Description
Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet is a quick, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender shrimp cooked in a luscious creamy sauce with bold garlic and smoky paprika. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining, offering a harmonious balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 lb fresh peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Aromatics and Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a generous sprinkle of smoked paprika to infuse smoky flavor directly into the seafood.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t brown for a mellow essence.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking and keep shrimp juicy.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir to combine with the aromatics. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp nicely.
- Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish, then sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color and freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
- Simmer cream gently on low heat to prevent curdling.
- Season gradually to build layered flavors.
- Optionally deglaze pan with white wine or broth before adding cream to lift flavorful bits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
Keywords: shrimp, creamy sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, easy dinner, one-pan meal, quick recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten free