Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, the Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is a great choice. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can whip up a flavorful dish that pairs well with various sides. The creamy garlic sauce adds richness to the shrimp, making it a satisfying option for any night. Curious about how to make it and the best ways to customize the flavors? Let’s explore the details.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, this creamy garlic shrimp recipe is a fantastic choice. It takes only 10 minutes to prep and another 10 to cook, so you can enjoy it in under 30 minutes. After a long day at work, this is perfect for a fast dinner. You’ll also love its versatility; serve it over rice, pasta, or even veggie noodles to fit your dietary preferences. It packs a nutritional punch too, with just 274 calories and 23.4 grams of protein per serving. Plus, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, like shrimp, garlic, and heavy cream. Large shrimp are preferred for this recipe to ensure a satisfying bite. Follow the straightforward instructions, and you’ll create a satisfying meal in no time.

History

The history of creamy garlic shrimp is quite interesting and reflects a blend of cultural influences.

You might find it fascinating that shrimp scampi, a dish closely related to creamy garlic shrimp, likely originated from Italian-American fishermen adapting traditional recipes. While some say it began in the Italian city of Genoa in the 14th century, others believe it evolved in America by using local ingredients. Originally featuring crayfish, the dish shifted to shrimp. Over time, cooks added lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and even cream to enhance flavors. Different regions put their spin on it, creating variations with tomatoes or herbs, making shrimp scampi a beloved staple worldwide, known for its delicious and simple flavor profile. Additionally, the use of heavy cream in modern recipes has contributed to its creamy texture and rich taste.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– Shrimp: 1-2 pounds, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
– Butter: 2-6 tablespoons
– Garlic: 1-10 cloves, minced
– Cream or Heavy Cream: 1-1.5 cups
– Seasonings: Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika
– Fresh parsley and lemon for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Sear the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Shell-on shrimp preserves the meat’s moisture and adds flavor, making it a great choice for this dish.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the wine or chicken broth (if substituting) and cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
Combine and Season: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the shrimp with the creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika to taste.
Serve: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor and presentation.

When preparing this dish, it’s important to not overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery.

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the process moves quickly.

Additionally, feel free to customize the sauce with your favorite herbs or spices, and don’t hesitate to add in extras like spinach or capers for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your culinary creation!

Final Thoughts

Although making creamy garlic shrimp is a delightful culinary experience, it’s important to keep a few key considerations in mind to guarantee the best results.

First, aim for a quick prep time of about 10 to 15 minutes. Using pre-cleaned shrimp can save you valuable time. Planning ahead also helps streamline your cooking process.

When it comes to nutrition, be aware that calorie counts can range from 220 to 503 per serving, so choose a recipe that fits your dietary needs. You can customize your dish by adding spices or adjusting the garlic to suit your taste. Additionally, consider the high protein content of shrimp, as it provides 23.4 g of protein per serving.

Finally, consider serving it over pasta, rice, or with garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

FAQ

If you’re new to making creamy garlic shrimp or just want to enhance your cooking skills, understanding some common questions can really help.

For the best flavor, use jumbo shrimp, but any size works—just adjust the cooking time. It takes about 2-3 minutes per side, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Additionally, consider using wild American shrimp for superior taste and sustainability.

You can customize the sauce by substituting white wine with chicken broth, while heavy cream remains essential. Serve your shrimp with pasta, rice, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

If your sauce isn’t thickening, verify you’re simmering long enough.

Finally, don’t hesitate to add herbs or cheese for extra flavor, making your dish even more enjoyable.