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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for a zesty side) To make One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp, you need fresh, high-quality ingredients. For the shrimp, use large, peeled, and deveined ones for the best texture. The unsalted butter brings a rich flavor, while fresh garlic adds depth. Heavy cream will create a smooth and creamy sauce that ties everything together. For extra flavor, paprika gives a warm color and mild taste. If you enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes. Always season with salt and pepper to enhance the dish. The cherry tomatoes add sweetness and acidity, balancing the creaminess. Fresh spinach not only provides vibrant color but also adds nutrients. Don’t forget the parsley for garnish; it brightens the dish. Lemon wedges on the side will give a refreshing zing when squeezed over the dish. Gather these ingredients and get ready to create a delicious meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating a spacious skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Wait until the butter melts and begins to froth. This frothy look tells you it’s hot enough for the next step. Now, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic to the skillet. Timing is key here. Stir the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant and slightly golden. Watch closely to avoid burning it. Burnt garlic can ruin your dish. Next, carefully add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet. Season them with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. If you like heat, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to stir, scraping any tasty bits stuck at the bottom. Let this mixture simmer gently. This helps combine all the rich flavors from the pan. Now it's time to add some color and nutrition. Toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to soften. This adds great flavor to the sauce. Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the shrimp in that creamy sauce. Heat everything together for another 2 minutes. This warms the shrimp through. Taste the sauce and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve this dish on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley. Add lemon wedges for a zesty touch that brings the dish to life. Enjoy your One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp! To make the best creamy sauce, start with high-quality heavy cream. I suggest using fresh cream for a rich taste. As you heat the cream, stir it gently. This helps blend the flavors from the garlic and shrimp. Don't rush this step; let it simmer to thicken. A touch of salt and pepper enhances the flavor. If you want extra depth, add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end. A big mistake is overcooking the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes 2-3 minutes on each side. If they cook too long, they become rubbery. For garlic, watch the color closely. It should be golden, not brown. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish. Serve your creamy garlic butter shrimp over pasta. It pairs well with fettuccine or spaghetti. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A fresh salad on the side adds a nice crunch. For a pop of color, sprinkle extra parsley on top. Adding lemon wedges gives a bright, zesty touch. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for the freshest shrimp you can find. If possible, buy shrimp that is still in the shell and devein them yourself for the best flavor. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or a splash of white wine to keep the dish flavorful but less rich. Seasoning Balance: Be sure to taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning. Adding a pinch of sugar can balance out the acidity of the tomatoes if needed. Garnish Wisely: For an extra touch of flavor, consider garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving. {{image_4}} If you don’t have shrimp, don’t worry! You can swap it with chicken or scallops. Chicken thighs or breasts work well. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces. Cook them in the same way as the shrimp until they are golden and cooked through. For scallops, sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This keeps them tender and flavorful. Are you lactose intolerant? You can make this dish dairy-free! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It gives a nice creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. For the butter, swap it with olive oil or vegan butter. This way, you still enjoy a rich flavor without dairy. Want more heat? Add different spices! Try cayenne pepper for a strong kick. You can also use jalapeños for a fresh touch. If you like smoky flavors, add smoked paprika. Just sprinkle in the spices when cooking the shrimp. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference for a tasty twist! To store leftovers, let the shrimp cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cover them tightly. This keeps them fresh for about 2-3 days. Always label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long they have been stored. For the best flavor, reheat the shrimp on the stove. Use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently and heat until just warm. Avoid high heat; this can overcook the shrimp. If you must use a microwave, do so in short bursts. Check every 30 seconds to prevent rubbery shrimp. To freeze the creamy garlic butter shrimp, start by cooling them completely. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently to enjoy the flavors again. For this dish, large shrimp work best. They cook quickly and stay juicy. Look for shrimp that are fresh, firm, and have a slight sea smell. If you can, buy shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This saves time and makes cooking easier. Yes, you can prepare the shrimp ahead of time. Cook it, but do not add the creamy sauce yet. Store the cooked shrimp in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, heat the shrimp and add the sauce. This keeps the shrimp tender and avoids overcooking. To make this dish gluten-free, check all labels on your ingredients. Use gluten-free butter and heavy cream. Avoid any flavorings that may have gluten, like certain sauces. This way, you can enjoy the recipe without worry. This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are some great options: - Pasta, to soak up the creamy sauce. - Crusty bread, perfect for dipping. - Rice, which balances the flavors nicely. - A fresh salad, adding a crisp texture to your meal. This blog post covered essential ingredients for the dish, like shrimp, garlic, and cream. I provided step-by-step instructions to create a rich, creamy sauce. You learned tips to perfect your sauce and avoid common mistakes. I also shared variations and storage tips to enhance your meal prep. With these guidelines, you can create a delicious, versatile dish that impresses. Enjoy your cooking!

One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

A delicious and easy one-pan dish featuring shrimp in a creamy garlic butter sauce with fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • for a zesty side Lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it becomes frothy, indicating it's hot enough to cook the garlic.
  • Immediately add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to let it burn.
  • Carefully add the deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes if you like some additional heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream, using a wooden spoon to stir and scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.
  • Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves to the creamy sauce. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes have softened beautifully.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, carefully stirring to coat them in the luscious creamy sauce. Allow everything to heat through together for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the shrimp are warmed thoroughly.
  • Taste the creamy sauce and adjust the seasoning with any additional salt and pepper, ensuring it meets your flavor preference.
  • Transfer the dish to a serving platter, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side to enhance the dish with a burst of bright citrus flavor.

Notes

Serve the shrimp and creamy sauce over a bed of pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A sprinkle of extra parsley on top adds a nice touch!
Keyword butter, creamy, garlic, one-pan, shrimp