Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce: A Delightful Meal in 30 Minutes
Short introduction
Shrimp with creamy garlic sauce is a delicious and elegant dish that brings a taste of the sea to your dinner table. This recipe blends succulent shrimp with a rich, flavorful garlic cream sauce, served over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or an intimate dinner, this dish can be whipped up in just about 30 minutes.
Why you’ll love it
This dish is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor. The shrimp cook up in mere moments, while the creamy garlic sauce adds depth and richness. It pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the sauce perfectly. Plus, shrimp are high in protein and low in calories, making this dish a healthy choice!
Ingredients
To prepare this delightful shrimp dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt, to taste
Substitutions & key variations
You can customize this recipe based on your preferences or what you have available. For a lighter version, substitute half and half or milk for heavy cream. If you prefer a little kick, adding red pepper flakes to the sauce can elevate the flavors. You can also swap shrimp for chicken or vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to make it vegetarian.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the mashed potatoes
Boil the cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them with ¼ cup of butter and ½ cup of warm milk until they are smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste, then cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the shrimp
While the potatoes are cooking, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the creamy garlic sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Then pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if you’re using it. Season with salt and pepper and allow the sauce to simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the dish
Spoon the creamy, buttery mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top them with a generous serving of shrimp, then pour the rich garlic sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Success tips
To achieve the best texture and flavor:
- Ensure the shrimp are not overcooked; they should be pink and opaque but still tender.
- Keep the mashed potatoes warm while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer or adding more cream if necessary.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.
How to serve
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves. Pair it with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of white wine also complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. You may want to add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as it reheats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A1: Yes, frozen shrimp can be used! Just ensure they are completely thawed before cooking.
Q2: What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter dish?
A2: You can use half-and-half, heavy coconut milk, or a mixture of milk with a little cornstarch to achieve a creamy texture.
Q3: Is this dish gluten-free?
A3: Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your Dijon mustard (if used) is gluten-free.
Q4: Can I prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can prepare mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them with a little milk to maintain their creaminess.
Q5: How can I elevate the flavors in the garlic sauce?
A5: You can add lemon juice for brightness or fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This dish provides a good source of protein and vitamins. Shrimp are low in calories and fat but high in nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12, which are essential for a healthy diet.
Conclusion
Shrimp with creamy garlic sauce is a simple yet elegant meal that you can make in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions, this dish will impress and satisfy everyone at your table. Give it a try tonight!
Links to related recipes
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus
- Parmesan Crusted Salmon
- Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
For the shrimp and sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream can substitute with half and half or milk for a lighter version
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
For the mashed potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup butter
Instructions
Preparation of mashed potatoes
- Boil the cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Mash them with ¼ cup of butter and ½ cup of warm milk until they are smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt to taste, then cover to keep warm.
Cooking shrimp
- While the potatoes are cooking, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Making the creamy garlic sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if you're using it.
- Season with salt and pepper and allow the sauce to simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Assembly
- Spoon the creamy, buttery mashed potatoes onto each plate.
- Top them with a generous serving of shrimp, then pour the rich garlic sauce over the top.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and flavor.