Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp

This creamy garlic paprika shrimp brings a rich, flavorful twist to a simple seafood dinner. Combining succulent shrimp with a luscious sauce featuring garlic, spinach, and a bright touch of lemon, this skillet meal comes together quickly and feels special enough for any weeknight or casual gathering. Its balance of indulgent creaminess and fresh ingredients makes it incredibly satisfying without being heavy.

I first cooked this when I needed a quick, comforting dinner after work and now it's one of my goto dishes because it feels elevated but is so easy to prepare

Ingredients

• One pound peeled and deveined raw shrimp: choose firm shrimp with a fresh ocean scent for the best texture and flavor
• Sea salt and cracked black pepper: seasoning the shrimp enhances natural flavors and balances the richness of the cream
• Extravirgin olive oil: provides a fruity base for sautéing aromatics and searing shrimp, opt for a robust variety
• Large shallot finely chopped: offers a sweet, mild onion flavor that deepens the sauce
• Red bell pepper finely chopped: adds a subtle sweetness and bright color contrast
• Four garlic cloves minced: essential for that characteristic aromatic punch
• Tomato paste: thickens the sauce and adds a gentle umami boost, use a good quality paste for the best taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes: bring a delicate heat that complements the creaminess
• Lowersodium vegetable or chicken broth: ensures the sauce is flavorful but not overly salty
• Paprika: provides warm smokiness, preferably sweet or smoked variety, to intensify the sauce's depth
• Two handfuls of fresh baby spinach: wilts quickly and adds a nutritious fresh green element
• Half a cup of heavy cream: creates richness and silky texture
• Fresh lemon juice from one lemon: brightens and balances the creamy sauce
• Chopped fresh parsley: gives a fresh herbal finish for garnish
• For serving: cooked orzo or rice or crusty bread pairs beautifully to soak up the luscious sauce

Instructions

Sear the shrimp:

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture so they sear instead of steam. Season evenly with half a teaspoon each of salt and cracked black pepper. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add shrimp in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Cook for three minutes until the underside is pink and firm, then flip and cook for one more minute until shrimp are opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside to prevent overcooking.

Cook the aromatics:

Reduce heat to medium and add remaining one tablespoon olive oil. Add finely chopped shallots and red bell pepper. Cook for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another two to three minutes. This slow cooking allows tomato paste to caramelize slightly and the spices to bloom, building a deep aromatic foundation.

Deglaze and reduce:

Pour in the broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up brown bits that contain concentrated flavor. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for five minutes so the liquid reduces by about half. This intensifies the sauce before adding the remaining ingredients.

Add paprika and spinach:

Stir in the paprika, coating the base, then add the fresh baby spinach. Cook for one to two minutes just until the spinach wilts and integrates with the sauce. This adds freshness and balances the cream.

Finish the sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and fresh lemon juice, then season with the remaining half teaspoon salt and a quarter teaspoon cracked black pepper. Stir to combine so the sauce becomes rich but bright with citrus notes.

Combine and serve:

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them, warming everything for a minute or two to marry the flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately over cooked orzo, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Paprika is my favorite ingredient here because it gives the sauce a beautiful color and subtle smokiness that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. I remember making this dish for a close friend's dinner party and everyone kept asking for the recipe. The combination of creamy texture and fresh lemon had everyone coming back for seconds.

Storage Tips

Let this creamy shrimp cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat to prevent breaking the cream sauce. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after reheating revitalizes the flavors beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap shrimp for scallops or firm white fish for a different seafood twist. If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt added at the end off the heat to avoid curdling. Fresh baby kale can replace spinach but may require slightly longer cooking to soften.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple orzo tossed with fresh herbs or buttery steamed rice. A green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil complements the richness perfectly. Crusty baguette or garlic bread also works well to mop up the delicious sauce.

This creamy garlic paprika shrimp has become one of those dishes that I come back to whenever I want something both special and simple. The layers of flavor from the slow-cooked aromatics to the bright lemon finish always impress guests and satisfy hungry family members alike.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of shrimp is best for this dish?

Peeled and deveined raw shrimp work best, ensuring even cooking and easy preparation.

→ Can I substitute spinach with another green?

Yes, kale or Swiss chard can be used as alternatives, though cook times may vary slightly.

→ How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Sear shrimp in a single layer over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes total until opaque and firm.

→ What can I serve with this shrimp dish?

Cooked orzo, rice, or crusty bread complement the creamy paprika sauce perfectly.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check broths and other packaged items to be sure.

→ How does the lemon juice enhance the flavors?

Lemon juice adds a fresh, bright contrast that balances the richness of the creamy sauce.