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To make creamy garlic shrimp, gather these ingredients: - 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or spaghetti (optional) I prefer fresh shrimp for this dish, as they taste better. Fresh shrimp have a sweet flavor and a firm texture. However, frozen shrimp work well, too. They are often frozen right after they are caught. This keeps them fresh for a long time. Check the package for “wild-caught” or “sustainably sourced” for the best quality. When using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the fridge overnight or under cold water before cooking. You can swap ingredients based on what you have. Here are some ideas: - Shrimp: Use scallops or chicken if you want a different protein. - Heavy cream: Try half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version. - Olive oil: You can use avocado oil or grapeseed oil instead. - Chicken broth: Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian option. - Pasta: Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice can replace regular pasta for a low-carb meal. For the full recipe of creamy garlic shrimp, check out the detailed steps provided earlier. If you want pasta, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Once it boils, add your fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. When it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to save a little pasta water. It can help later if your sauce is too thick. For the shrimp, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp. Make sure they are in a single layer for even cooking. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side until they turn pink. Flip them over to cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes. The shrimp should be opaque and tender. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. You want to keep that flavorful oil in the pan. Now, let’s make the sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it gets fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Next, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to pick up any bits. This adds extra flavor. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Stir well to coat them in the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you used pasta, toss it in now, making sure it’s all coated. For a finishing touch, garnish with green onions and parsley. This whole process makes for a quick and easy dinner. You can find the full recipe [here](Full Recipe) if you need more details. The key to great shrimp is timing. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp tough and rubbery. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the shrimp. This helps them sear nicely. Season them with salt and pepper before cooking for extra flavor. If you want, you can add a pinch of paprika for a bit of spice. To get a super creamy sauce, use heavy cream. This gives the sauce richness. You can also add a bit of cream cheese to enhance creaminess. Stir it in after the heavy cream. Another tip is to let the sauce simmer. This allows it to thicken up nicely. Always taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a nice touch. Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread. It’s great for soaking up the sauce. You can also add a light salad for balance. A fresh arugula salad pairs well with the rich flavors. If you like pasta, fettuccine or spaghetti works best. Toss the pasta in the sauce for a complete meal. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh parsley and green onions. This adds color and flavor to your dish. For the full recipe, check out the link. {{image_2}} You can add veggies to this dish for extra color and nutrients. Try spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. To do this, sauté your chosen vegetables in the skillet before adding the garlic. Cook them until they soften. This step enhances the dish's flavor and makes it more filling. For those who enjoy heat, add some spice! Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you cook the garlic. Start with a small amount, then taste. Adjust to your heat preference. This variation gives your creamy garlic shrimp a nice kick that pairs well with the rich sauce. If you want a low-carb option, skip the pasta. Instead, serve the shrimp over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. These alternatives soak up the sauce nicely. They also add a fresh taste and keep the dish light. You can still enjoy all the creamy goodness without the carbs. You can find the full recipe [here]. To store leftover creamy garlic shrimp, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the shrimp cools to room temperature before sealing. This method keeps the shrimp fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you have sauce left over, store it separately to maintain the best texture. When reheating creamy garlic shrimp, use gentle heat. Place the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Stir it often to avoid sticking. You can add a splash of broth or cream to keep it from drying out. For even heat, cover the skillet. This method helps keep the shrimp tender and the sauce creamy. You can freeze creamy garlic shrimp for later use. Place it in a freezer-safe container after cooling. It stays good for about two months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, use the same gentle heat method to warm it up. Avoid refreezing it after thawing to maintain texture and flavor. For best results, freeze the shrimp and sauce separately if you can. For a great meal later, follow the Full Recipe when you're ready to enjoy it again. You can tell shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. When they curl into a C shape, they are done. If they curl into an O shape, they are overcooked. Always avoid cooking shrimp too long; they can become tough. Yes, you can use alternatives to heavy cream. Coconut milk works well for a dairy-free option. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. If you prefer a lower-calorie option, try Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of water. These options may change the flavor slightly, but they still create a creamy texture. Creamy Garlic Shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Fettuccine or spaghetti for a classic pasta dish - Rice, like jasmine or basmati, to soak up the sauce - Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, for a healthy touch - Crusty bread to enjoy with the sauce For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for serving suggestions and tips! In this post, we covered how to make creamy garlic shrimp from start to finish. We discussed ingredients, cooking techniques, and tips to get the best flavor. Remember to choose fresh shrimp for the best taste. You can add veggies or spice for a twist. Store leftovers safely, and reheat carefully to keep the flavor. With these steps, you can create a delightful dish at home. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends with this tasty meal!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Discover the ultimate creamy garlic shrimp recipe that's not only delicious but also easy to make! Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this dish features flavorful shrimp in a rich, garlicky sauce. You’ll find tips on cooking techniques, ingredient swaps, and serving suggestions to elevate your dinner. Click through for the full recipe and get ready to create a meal everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

8 oz (225g) fettuccine or spaghetti (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta (if using): In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the fettuccine or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

      Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

        Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer.

          Combine and Thicken: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

            Serve: If using pasta, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring all the noodles are coated.

              Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and fresh parsley on top.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp in a deep bowl with a bed of pasta underneath, drizzling extra sauce over the top. Add a sprinkle of lemon zest for a pop of color and freshness.