Shrimp lovers, rejoice! If you’re looking for a shrimp easy recipe that’s packed with flavor, effortless to make, and perfect for any night of the week, this Quick & Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the answer. Whether you’re in need of lazy meals dinners for a busy evening or craving something indulgent yet healthy, this dish will become your new favorite go-to recipe.
Not only is this healthy shrimp recipe dinner easy to prepare, but it’s also rich in protein, low in carbs, and incredibly satisfying. The creamy garlic sauce enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp while adding a velvety texture that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it with shrimp with rice recipes, pasta, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: This dish takes under 20 minutes from start to finish, making it one of the best easy dinner recipes for family healthy choices.
- Minimal Ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
- Healthy Yet Indulgent: Creamy, garlicky, and absolutely delicious without being heavy.
- Versatile: Pairs well with rice, pasta, roasted veggies, or even a fresh green salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
Suggested Side Dishes
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice (shrimp with rice recipes)
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
- Roasted or sautéed vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Fresh green salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
If your shrimp is frozen, thaw it by placing it in cold water for about 10 minutes. Once thawed, pat dry with paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and paprika for extra depth of flavor.
2. Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, allowing it to deglaze the pan. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits (this adds extra flavor). Then, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine Shrimp with the Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, tossing it gently to coat in the creamy garlic sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
6. Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish. Garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with your favorite side.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Shrimp
This shrimp dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some sides with shrimp that make the perfect pairing:
- Rice Options: White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Pasta: Serve over fettuccine, linguine, or even zucchini noodles.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or sautéed spinach complement the dish well.
- Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread helps soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Use Fresh Shrimp When Possible – While frozen shrimp works well, fresh shrimp provides the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp – Shrimp cooks quickly. Overcooking results in a rubbery texture.
- Make It Lighter – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap in Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Spice It Up – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat.
- Storage & Reheating – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
Why This is One of the Best Healthy Dinner Recipes with Shrimp
This easy healthy dinner for one or for the whole family is a fantastic meal choice because:
- Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories.
- Garlic and herbs add tons of flavor without extra calories.
- The sauce is creamy yet adaptable to fit different dietary needs.
If you’re looking for healthy shrimp recipes dinner ideas, this one is a must-try!
FAQs
1. Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
2. What kind of shrimp should I use? Large or jumbo shrimp work best. You can use fresh or frozen (just thaw before cooking).
3. Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge.
4. What are some other easy dinner recipes for family healthy? Try shrimp stir-fry, grilled shrimp skewers, or shrimp tacos with avocado salsa!
Final Thoughts
If you’re in need of a shrimp easy recipe that fits into your busy schedule and satisfies your cravings, this Quick & Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the perfect choice. Whether you’re making healthy dinner recipes with shrimp for a weeknight meal or preparing a romantic dinner for two, this dish will impress every time.
Pair it with your favorite sides with shrimp, and enjoy a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s ready in no time. Try it tonight and experience the perfect blend of creamy, garlicky goodness!
Looking for more shrimp meals dinners ideas? Stay tuned for more quick and delicious recipes!
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