Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet Recipe
A rich and creamy garlic-paprika shrimp skillet recipe that features tender shrimp cooked in a luscious heavy cream sauce infused with smoked paprika and garlic, garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal that pairs beautifully with rice, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season evenly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to ensure full flavor.
- Mince Garlic: Finely mince the garlic cloves to release maximum flavor and aroma during cooking.
- Heat Olive Oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and heat the olive oil until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sear Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and are opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Stir continuously and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat all shrimp evenly with the creamy garlic-paprika sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the skillet and serve hot alongside your preferred sides such as rice, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for the heavy cream.
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for color and enhanced flavor.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can be incorporated for added freshness and complexity.
- Use high-quality fresh shrimp for the best texture and taste.
- Adjust the garlic and smoked paprika amounts based on your personal flavor preference.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Keywords: shrimp skillet, creamy garlic shrimp, paprika shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, easy dinner, creamy sauce, stovetop shrimp