🍤 Creamy Garlic Shrimp Dish 🧄🧀
A rich and velvety shrimp dish with a creamy garlic sauce, perfectly seasoned and topped with Parmesan cheese—an indulgent yet quick and easy meal for any occasion!
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4):
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤
2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
Salt to taste 🧂
Pepper to taste 🌶
1 teaspoon paprika 🌶
1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
2 tablespoons butter 🧈
4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 cup heavy cream 🥛
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Season the Shrimp: In a medium-sized bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Ensure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Set Aside: Let the shrimp marinate for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
Cook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. Add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be sure not to burn the garlic.
Add the Heavy Cream: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure the cream doesn’t burn. Allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the Parmesan: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
4. Combine Shrimp with Sauce:
Return the Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and stir to coat the shrimp with the creamy garlic sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the shrimp to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Finish with Butter: For an extra touch of richness, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce and stir until it’s fully incorporated.
5. Serve:
Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil (optional).
Serve: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp dish over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
🍴 Serving Suggestions:
Over Pasta: This creamy garlic shrimp pairs beautifully with pasta, especially fettuccine or linguine. The sauce clings to the noodles, making each bite deliciously creamy.
With Rice: Serve the shrimp and creamy garlic sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice or couscous for a comforting dish.
As an Appetizer: This creamy garlic shrimp also makes a perfect appetizer served with crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Dish:
Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal.
Creamy & Flavorful: The garlic cream sauce, with a hint of Parmesan, complements the shrimp perfectly, making this dish irresistible.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices or add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavor.
Elegant: This dish looks impressive, making it perfect for a date night or dinner party.
🧑🍳 Tips for Success:
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them while they’re in the pan. Overcooking will make them rubbery.
Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. For a thinner sauce, add a little more cream or a splash of pasta water.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan works best in this dish, as it melts better and adds more flavor than pre-grated cheese.
Add Veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding spinach or asparagus during the final simmer with the shrimp.
🍽️ Final Thoughts:
Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the ultimate indulgence that combines rich flavors and succulent shrimp. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Simple yet decadent, it’s a dish that will become a fast favorite in your recipe repertoire!