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Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet

Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet

Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet is a quick and easy seafood dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich, velvety sauce infused with roasted garlic and smoky paprika. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful and comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, offering a protein-packed and gluten-free option that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Aromatics

  • 1 lb fresh or thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika, divided
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. This ensures every bite has that smoky, spicy base.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions or shallots and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, stir in the remaining smoked paprika, then pour in the heavy cream and a splash of lemon juice. Let it simmer gently to thicken and meld the flavors, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the creamy garlic-paprika sauce. Cook for an additional minute. Garnish with fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

  • Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp, pat dry before cooking for the best texture.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp as it can make them rubbery.
  • Toast the paprika briefly when sautéing aromatics to maximize its smoky flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of heavy cream to control sauce thickness and creaminess.
  • Don’t skip the lemon juice; it balances the richness with bright acidity.
  • Serve the dish immediately to enjoy optimal texture and flavor.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop Sauté
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg

Keywords: shrimp, garlic, paprika, creamy sauce, quick dinner, seafood skillet, weeknight meals, gluten free, protein packed