Creamy Garlic Shrimp Delight

$Here's what you need to make creamy garlic shrimp in just 15 minutes: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Cooked pasta of your choice (for serving) You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half if you want a lighter sauce. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. If you can't find large shrimp, medium shrimp work just as well. Always season to your taste. These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy sauce that makes the shrimp shine. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it a delightful dish for any night of the week. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to peel and devein the shrimp. First, hold the shrimp by the tail. Use your fingers to pull off the shell. Next, look for the dark line on the back. This is the vein. Use a small knife to make a shallow cut and remove it. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Now, let’s mince the garlic. Use a sharp knife for this. Start by peeling the cloves. Then, place a clove under the flat side of the knife blade. Press down gently until it crushes. Chop it finely by running the knife through the pieces. This method makes it easy and quick. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not browned. Next, add the shrimp to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done. Seasoning is key here. It helps bring out the flavor of the shrimp. Don’t skip this step. Taste your food as you cook. Adjust the salt and pepper to meet your liking. After cooking the shrimp, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. This is where the magic happens! Add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually. Stir constantly until the cheese melts. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken nicely. To enhance the flavor, add the lemon zest. This brightens the dish and adds a fresh note. Stir well and taste again. Adjust any seasoning if needed. Now, your creamy sauce is ready to serve over pasta. Using pre-cooked shrimp can save time. They only need to heat up. You can find them at most stores. This choice cuts cooking time in half. Preparing pasta while cooking shrimp is smart. Start boiling pasta when you melt butter. By the time your shrimp is ready, so is your pasta. This way, everything is hot and fresh. Adjusting seasoning is key to your dish. Taste your sauce as it cooks. You might want more salt or pepper. Everyone's taste is different, so make it yours. Adding extra ingredients can enhance flavors. Consider adding fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients add color and taste. They create a dish that looks and tastes fancy. Serving in a shallow bowl makes it look elegant. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan on top. It adds a nice touch of flavor and looks great. Garnishing with parsley and lemon is simple yet effective. Fresh parsley adds color, while lemon slices brighten the dish. A little effort in presentation makes your meal shine! Pro Tips Freshness is Key: Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture in your dish. Frozen shrimp can work, but be sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry before cooking. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking; they cook quickly and should turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor that complements the creaminess. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a light salad. Consider adding a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. {{image_2}} You can enhance your creamy garlic shrimp by adding vegetables. Good choices include: - Spinach - Cherry tomatoes - Bell peppers - Zucchini To add veggies, sauté them with garlic. This step brings out their flavor. I usually add them right after the garlic. Cook for a few minutes until they soften. Then, add the shrimp. This way, everything cooks evenly. If you don't have shrimp, try chicken or tofu. For chicken, cut it into small pieces. Cook it the same way as shrimp, but for about 5-6 minutes. If you pick tofu, use firm or extra-firm. Cut it into cubes and sauté it for about 4-5 minutes. Adjust cooking times based on what you choose. Ensure your protein is fully cooked. Feel free to play with spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Fresh basil or thyme can brighten the dish. You can also switch cheeses. Try feta for a tangy touch or mozzarella for a creamy melt. Experiment to find your favorite combination! To keep creamy garlic shrimp fresh, store it in an airtight container. Keep the shrimp in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it. When you reheat, do this gently. Use medium heat in a skillet. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid burning. Can you freeze creamy garlic shrimp? Yes, but it may change the texture. The cream can separate when thawed. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Label the container with the date. Use within three months for best taste. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat slowly in a skillet, adding cream to restore creaminess. Enjoy your shrimp delight later! It takes only 15 minutes to make creamy garlic shrimp. The prep time is about 5 minutes. Cooking takes around 10 minutes, making this dish perfect for busy days. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are thawed before cooking. This helps them cook evenly. If you use frozen shrimp, increase the cooking time by a minute or two. You can serve creamy garlic shrimp with various sides. Here are some great options: - Cooked pasta of your choice - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - Steamed broccoli for a fresh touch - A simple green salad for balance These sides enhance the meal and make it more satisfying. In this blog post, we explored how to make creamy garlic shrimp, from gathering the right ingredients to cooking techniques. You learned how to prep shrimp and garlic, create a luscious sauce, and present your dish beautifully. Remember, cooking is about fun and experimentation, so feel free to adjust flavors and try variations. Whether you stick to shrimp or add your favorite veggies, this dish can impress anyone. Enjoy crafting your creamy garlic shrimp and don’t forget to share the joy of cooking with others!$

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Delight

A rich and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce, perfect over pasta.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
for serving cooked pasta of your choice

Instructions

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the lemon zest for brightness and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over the cooked pasta, ensuring to drizzle some of the sauce on top.
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for color and flavor.

Notes

Serve in a shallow bowl with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon slices for an elegant touch.

Keyword creamy, garlic, pasta, shrimp