Quick & Flavorful Succulent Shrimp in Creamy Garlic-Paprika Sauce Recipe

Creamy garlic-paprika sauce adds a luxurious twist to succulent shrimp that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Seafood enthusiasts know how magical simple ingredients can become when combined thoughtfully.

Fragrant spices weave through tender shellfish, creating an irresistible melody of flavors.

Mediterranean coastal cooking inspires this delectable dish with its bold, vibrant character.

Each bite promises a rich, velvety experience that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Bold paprika brings warmth while garlic provides depth to this elegant recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible culinary creation.

Why Succulent Shrimp In Creamy Garlic-Paprika Sauce Is So Rich

• Quickly Customize: Adapt the dish by swapping shrimp with chicken or adding extra spices to match your taste preferences.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Create a restaurant-quality meal that looks sophisticated but requires minimal cooking skills.
• Speed Through Preparation: Complete the entire recipe in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal solutions.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for cooking, reducing dishes and saving precious time after meal preparation.

What’s Inside Succulent Shrimp In Creamy Garlic-Paprika Sauce

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that serves as the star protein of this creamy, flavorful dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika: A simple spice combination that enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp and adds depth to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for searing and cooking the shrimp.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the shrimp with luxurious texture.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the dish.

Steps To Make Succulent Shrimp In Creamy Garlic-Paprika Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika

Ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with the seasoning blend.

Step 2: Sizzle in the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in olive oil, allowing it to warm and shimmer slightly.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp to Perfection

Carefully place the seasoned shrimp into the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they transform into a beautiful pink color and become opaque.

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 4: Unleash the Garlic Magic

In the same skillet, add finely minced garlic.

Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with an aromatic fragrance and the garlic turns golden.

Step 5: Create the Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet.

Gently stir and let the sauce simmer, watching it thicken into a velvety consistency.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the seared shrimp to the skillet.

Tenderly toss them in the creamy garlic sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top.

Serve immediately alongside fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or warm crusty bread for a mouthwatering meal.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Succulent Shrimp In Creamy Garlic-Paprika Sauce

• Pat shrimp completely dry to ensure perfect searing and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the most tender and flavorful result.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp by watching color change and removing from heat immediately when pink and opaque.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream simmer time – longer simmering creates thicker, richer sauce.

Fun Twists For Succulent Shrimp In Creamy Garlic-Paprika Sauce

• Spicy Mediterranean Shrimp: Replace smoked paprika with harissa paste and add red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Herb-Infused Coastal Shrimp: Mix fresh dill, chives, and basil into the cream sauce for a bright, herbaceous flavor profile.
• Coconut Curry Shrimp: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and add mild yellow curry powder for a tropical-inspired version.
• Lemon Butter Shrimp: Incorporate fresh lemon zest and a splash of white wine, finishing with cold butter for a rich, tangy sauce.

Tasty Pairings For Succulent Shrimp In Creamy Garlic-Paprika Sauce

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the succulent shrimp.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Grab a rustic sourdough or baguette to soak up the luxurious garlic-paprika sauce, transforming every bite into a delightful flavor experience.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Side Salad: Toss together a light Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and olive oil to provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy shrimp dish.
• Herbal Rice Pilaf Partner: Prepare a fragrant rice pilaf with fresh herbs like parsley and dill to enhance the dish's Mediterranean and seafood notes while adding textural variety.

How To Store Succulent Shrimp In Creamy Garlic-Paprika Sauce Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled shrimp to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label with the date and consume within 2-3 months for best quality. Avoid freezing the sauce separately.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of cream to prevent drying. Stir occasionally and heat until the shrimp is warmed through but not overcooked.
• Microwave: Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals.

Succulent Shrimp In Creamy Garlic-Paprika Sauce Questions Answered

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent excess moisture.

• How spicy will this dish be with smoked paprika?

The smoked paprika adds mild warmth and smoky flavor, not intense heat. It provides depth without overwhelming spiciness.

• What type of skillet works best for this recipe?

A heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast iron skillet provides even heat distribution and helps create perfect golden-brown shrimp.

• Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or dairy-free cream alternatives for a similar creamy texture.

Succulent Shrimp in Creamy Garlic-Paprika Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Mediterranean culinary magic shines through this succulent Shrimp in Creamy Garlic-Paprika Sauce, delivering bold coastal flavors. Creamy, spicy, and irresistibly elegant, you will savor each perfectly seasoned bite of this restaurant-quality seafood delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings and Spices:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot shrimp using paper towels, then generously season with aromatic salt, cracked pepper, and smoky paprika for robust flavor profiles.
2. Warm a spacious skillet over medium heat, drizzling olive oil to create a slick cooking surface.
3. Carefully arrange seasoned shrimp in the hot skillet, allowing each side to caramelize for approximately 2-3 minutes until they transform into a vibrant pink and become translucent.
4. Transfer beautifully seared shrimp to a separate plate, preserving their perfect texture.
5. In the same skillet, introduce finely minced garlic, allowing its pungent essence to bloom and release fragrant notes for 30-45 seconds.
6. Stream rich heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a velvety, gradually thickening sauce that coats the cooking surface.
7. Gently reintroduce seared shrimp into the luscious cream sauce, delicately turning to ensure each morsel becomes completely enrobed in the silky mixture.
8. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the top, creating a vibrant garnish that adds both color and a subtle herbaceous note.
9. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice, al dente pasta, or crusty artisan bread to capture every drop of the decadent sauce.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden sear without steaming.
• Use high-quality smoked paprika for an intense, rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Quickly cook shrimp to prevent rubbery texture, watching carefully as they turn pink and opaque within 2-3 minutes per side.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 300mg