Description
A quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines savory garlic, fresh herbs, and a velvety texture that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
To prepare this delectable Creamy Garlic Shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Shrimp: 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp (fresh or frozen)
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves of fresh garlic, minced (adjust based on taste)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for a rich flavor
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (or avocado oil for a lighter option)
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (substitute half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Parmesan cheese: ¾ cup, freshly grated for a savory finish
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh baby spinach (or kale for a heartier choice)
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or white wine for depth)
- Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Feel free to consider frozen shrimp for convenience—just ensure they are thawed properly before starting the recipe.
Instructions
① Prepare the Shrimp
Begin by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures that your shrimp achieve that satisfying sear when cooked. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
② Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. If you love a little heat, this is the moment to add some red pepper flakes.
③ Cook the Shrimp
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pan, which could lead to steaming rather than that perfect sear! Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
④ Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir constantly, scraping the bottom to release any flavorful bits left from cooking the shrimp. After about 2 minutes, add the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Stir until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted.
⑤ Combine and Serve
Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the fresh lemon juice. Stir to combine, cooking for another minute to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
⑥ Garnish and Enjoy
Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley or basil. Serve your Creamy Garlic Shrimp over pasta, rice, or simply with crusty bread to soak up that decadent sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 204mg