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Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet

Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet
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A quick and flavorful one-skillet dish combining succulent shrimp with a creamy garlic and smoky paprika sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers a rich, velvety texture and balanced bold flavors perfect for any dinner occasion, with minimal cleanup and versatility to pair with rice, pasta, or bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 lb medium-sized fresh or thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked), plus extra for sauce

Aromatics

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion or shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Creamy Sauce

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Finishing Touches

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika to infuse initial flavor.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions or shallots and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, avoiding browning the garlic.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat once done.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to low and pour in heavy cream. Stir gently to combine, then add additional paprika to taste and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the sauce. Let simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add fresh flavor and color contrast. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Dry your shrimp well to get a good sear instead of steaming them.
  • Cooking over medium heat prevents garlic burning and cream curdling.
  • Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; pull from heat when pink and opaque.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve brightness and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp, creamy garlic paprika shrimp, one-skillet shrimp, quick shrimp dinner, gluten-free seafood, creamy shrimp skillet, paprika shrimp

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/creamy-garlic-paprika-shrimp-skillet/