Here’s a classic creamy shrimp recipe—rich, garlicky, and versatile. It works over pasta, rice, or even as a skillet dinner on its own.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup onion, finely diced (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the shrimp
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
2. Make the creamy sauce
- In the same skillet, add garlic (and onion if using) and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
3. Combine
- Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in sauce.
- Simmer 1–2 minutes to heat through.
4. Serve
- Over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook very quickly and become rubbery.
- Cheese: Parmesan gives a nutty, creamy flavor; for extra richness, mix in a little cream cheese.
- Spice: Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk and thicken with a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch.
If you want, I can give a “Cajun creamy shrimp” version with smoky spices and a bit of heat—perfect over grits or pasta.
Do you want me to do that?
