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To make creamy garlic shrimp, you'll need a few key items. These ingredients create a rich and tasty dish. Here’s what you need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice (optional) Each ingredient plays a vital role. The shrimp gives the dish its main protein. The garlic adds flavor and aroma. Butter makes the sauce creamy and rich. Heavy cream and chicken broth create the base for a luscious sauce. Lemon juice brightens the flavors, while paprika and red pepper flakes add warmth and spice. You can enhance the dish with some optional ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Fresh herbs like basil or thyme - Grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess - A splash of white wine for depth of flavor - Spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrients Feel free to mix and match these options. They can elevate your dish and make it unique. Is this dish good for special diets? Yes, you can adjust it! - For a gluten-free option, skip the pasta or use gluten-free pasta. - If you're dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or almond milk. - You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter flavor. This way, creamy garlic shrimp can fit various diets while still being delicious. You can find the full recipe at the end of this section. If you choose to add pasta, start by boiling water. Use a large pot and add salt. Once the water boils, add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Set it aside until the shrimp and sauce are ready. Next, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet. Once the butter is hot, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Make sure the shrimp are in a single layer. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This step adds great flavor and texture. Once done, take the shrimp out and set them aside. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burned. The garlic adds a rich, aromatic flavor. Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds more depth to your sauce. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Now, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. If you like a little heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes to thicken. After that, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir well to coat the shrimp in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat everything through. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you cooked pasta, you can either serve the creamy garlic shrimp over it or mix everything together in the skillet. For an extra touch, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley before serving. This adds color and freshness. Enjoy this creamy garlic shrimp as a quick and delicious weeknight meal. For a full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. To cook shrimp right, start with raw, large shrimp. Peel and devein them before cooking. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add unsalted butter. Once melted, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a pink and opaque color. This means they are done. Overcooking makes them tough, so watch closely. To make a thicker sauce, use heavy cream. The cream adds richness and helps create a smooth texture. Simmer it with chicken broth for a few minutes. This reduces the liquid and thickens the sauce. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water if you want more thickness. Just stir it in slowly until you reach your desired consistency. Creamy garlic shrimp pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it over fettuccine or any pasta you like. The sauce clings nicely to the noodles. You can also serve it with rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A fresh salad or steamed veggies add color and balance to the meal. For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice enhances the flavors. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well in this dish. Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs for a hearty meal. Cook the chicken first, then follow the same steps for the sauce. Scallops are another great choice. They cook quickly and add a sweet flavor. For a plant-based option, try using vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Sauté them until tender, and then add the sauce. You can change the flavor of the sauce easily. If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes to your dish. You can also try a dash of hot sauce for extra kick. For a milder flavor, infuse the sauce with fresh herbs. Basil, thyme, or oregano can brighten the dish. Just chop them finely and add them with the garlic. This gives the dish a fresh, garden taste. If you want a gluten-free meal, use zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Spiralize fresh zucchini for a fun twist. It absorbs the creamy sauce well. Cauliflower rice is another great option. It keeps the meal light and low in carbs. Just sauté the cauliflower rice until tender. Both options allow you to enjoy creamy garlic flavors without the extra carbs. For the full recipe, check out Creamy Garlic Shrimp. Enjoy exploring these fun variations! To keep your creamy garlic shrimp fresh, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal the container well to avoid leaks or odors. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help restore the sauce. Stir gently to warm it evenly. Avoid high heat, as shrimp can become rubbery. For longer storage, you can freeze creamy garlic shrimp. Use a freezer-safe container and add some extra cream to maintain moisture. Label the container with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can tell shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque. Each shrimp usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. The texture should feel firm, not rubbery. If the shrimp curl into a tight "C" shape, they are often overcooked. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or by running them under cold water. Frozen shrimp can be just as tasty as fresh shrimp if cooked properly. Creamy garlic shrimp pairs well with several sides. Here are some great options: - Cooked fettuccine or pasta - Steamed broccoli or green beans - Garlic bread for dipping - A fresh side salad Creamy garlic shrimp will last about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Reheating is easy; just warm it on the stove over low heat. Yes, you can make creamy garlic shrimp ahead of time. Just cook it and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently before serving. However, the shrimp texture may change a bit after reheating. For best results, cook it fresh when possible. You can find the Full Recipe if you want to try this dish yourself! In this post, I covered how to make creamy garlic shrimp. We explored key ingredients and cooking steps, plus tips for perfect shrimp. I also shared storage advice and answers to common questions. This dish is delicious and customizable to fit your needs. You can enjoy it right away or save leftovers for later. Now, get cooking and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy garlic shrimp with this easy recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can create a delightful dish featuring tender shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Follow the simple steps to elevate your cooking game and enjoy a gourmet meal at home. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious dish to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta (if using): In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

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

      Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.

        Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

          Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.

            Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve: If using pasta, serve the creamy garlic shrimp over the pasta or mix everything together in the skillet.

                Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

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