Creamy Garlic Shrimp

$- Fresh shrimp: Use 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Large shrimp cook well and offer a nice bite. - Essential dairy products: You need 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of heavy cream. These create a rich and creamy sauce. - Flavor enhancers: Gather 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. These ingredients add depth and zest to the dish. - Recommended pasta choices: I suggest using spaghetti or fettuccine. Both pair nicely with the creamy sauce. - Alternative herbs or spices: You can add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. - Additional protein options: Try adding cooked chicken or tofu for more protein and texture. - Vegetable add-ins: Consider spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These veggies add color and nutrition to your dish. This list covers everything you need to make creamy garlic shrimp. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to create this delightful meal. Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. It’s key to aim for al dente texture. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta, which won’t hold the sauce well. When you drain the pasta, make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water can help if your sauce is too thick later. Set the drained pasta aside while you prepare the shrimp and sauce. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Take the shrimp out of the skillet and set them aside. This step is crucial because overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it melts, add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it, as burned garlic can taste bitter. Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Then stir in the heavy cream, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it reduce a bit longer. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the lemon juice and taste to check for seasoning. Adjust with salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce feels too thick, add your reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get your desired consistency. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta gets coated with the creamy garlic sauce. Cook for one more minute to heat through. I love serving this creamy garlic shrimp pasta in a large bowl, topped with fresh parsley. It not only looks pretty but tastes amazing too! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. To make a great sauce, avoid burning the garlic. Cook it just until soft. If you burn it, the sauce will taste bitter. If your sauce is too thick, add some pasta water. Start with a small amount and mix well. You want a creamy but pourable texture. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to thicken. You can elevate the taste by adding white wine. Just pour it in after sautéing the garlic. Let it reduce before adding cream. This adds depth and richness. To balance flavors, add a splash of lemon juice. This brightens the dish and cuts through the creaminess. Try tasting and adjusting as you cook. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many good options that taste great. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. It gives a nice creaminess without dairy. You might also use cashew cream for a richer taste. {{image_2}} You can cook shrimp in different ways. Sautéing is the most common method. It gives a nice sear and keeps the shrimp juicy. Simply heat some butter in a pan, add shrimp, and cook until pink. Grilling shrimp adds a smoky flavor. To grill, marinate shrimp with garlic and lemon juice. Skewer them and grill for a few minutes on each side. The result is tasty and fun for summer meals. Baking is another easy option for creamy garlic shrimp. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place shrimp in a baking dish with the garlic sauce. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked. This method is great for a fuss-free meal. You can customize your creamy garlic shrimp with different sauces. For a twist, try adding a splash of white wine or a hint of soy sauce. This adds depth and new flavors to the dish. For those who love heat, spice it up! Start with a little red pepper. You can increase the amount to suit your taste. Adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce gives it an extra kick. Pair creamy garlic shrimp with a fresh salad or crusty bread. A simple side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette brightens the meal. For bread lovers, serve it with crusty baguette. It’s perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. For special occasions, think about how you present the dish. Serve it in a large bowl and sprinkle with parsley. Add lemon wedges on the side for a pop of color. You can even use a fancy plate to show off your cooking skills! Check out the Full Recipe to make this dish your own! To keep creamy garlic shrimp fresh, cool it down quickly. Place it in the fridge within two hours. Use airtight containers for the best results. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to leave some space for the sauce to expand if you freeze it. Shrimp can last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Frozen shrimp can last for about two months. When reheating creamy garlic shrimp, avoid using high heat. Low heat helps keep the shrimp tender. You can use a skillet or microwave. If you use a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This helps keep the sauce creamy. Stir gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Enjoy your creamy garlic shrimp just as delicious as when you first made it! Look for a few signs to know when shrimp are done. First, check their color. Cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque. Second, feel their texture. They should feel firm but not tough. Lastly, they curl slightly when cooked. If you see these signs, your shrimp are ready to eat! Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the shrimp and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers. Keep the pasta separate, too. When ready to eat, just reheat the shrimp and sauce. Combine everything with the pasta and enjoy a quick meal! This dish pairs well with several sides. Consider a fresh green salad with a light dressing. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. You can also serve it with steamed veggies or garlic bread. These choices balance the meal and add freshness. You can lighten up this dish easily. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This swap cuts calories but keeps creaminess. You can also use less butter. Add more veggies for volume without many calories. Try spinach or zucchini for a tasty boost. Here are some mistakes to watch out for: - Overcooking shrimp makes them rubbery. - Burning garlic can ruin the sauce’s flavor. - Not reserving pasta water may lead to a thick sauce. - Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your dish bland. Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Just thaw them before cooking. To thaw, place shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Pat them dry before cooking. This helps achieve that perfect texture and flavor in your creamy garlic shrimp. For the full recipe, check here. In this post, we explored how to make creamy garlic shrimp. We covered key ingredients, like fresh shrimp, garlic, and heavy cream. You learned step-by-step instructions to cook pasta and sauté shrimp perfectly. We also shared tips for customization, dietary adjustments, and reheating leftovers. Creamy garlic shrimp is versatile and easy to make. Try out variations to suit your taste. With practice, you’ll create a delicious dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with your recipes!$

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with my creamy garlic shrimp recipe! This quick and easy dish features tender shrimp in a rich, savory sauce that's perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Ready to impress your guests or treat yourself? Click through now for the full recipe and start cooking up something extraordinary today!

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pasta of your choice (spaghetti or fettuccine recommended)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (do not let it burn).

Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Add Shrimp and Season: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stir in lemon juice, and check for seasoning. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the creamy garlic sauce. Cook for an additional minute until heated through.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp pasta in a large bowl, and sprinkle with extra parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a pop of color. Add lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch!