Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet

Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet

4 servings
Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet comes together in just 30 minutes for a simple, flavorful weeknight dinner. Featuring pan-seared shrimp, spinach, and red peppers in a creamy garlic sauce with parsley and lemon.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. peeled and deveined raw shrimp
  • 1 tsp. sea salt

    divided), (reduce to 3/4 tsp. if using fine table salt

  • 3/4 tsp. cracked black pepper

    divided

  • 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large shallot

    finely chopped, about 1/2 cup

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves

    minced

  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 cup lower-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tsp. paprika
  • 2 handfuls fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1-2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

    from 1 lemon

  • 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parlsey leaves
  • Cooked orzo or rice

    or crusty bread for dipping

Directions

  1. 1

    Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel, and season evenly with 1/2 tsp. each of salt and black pepper. Heat 2 Tbsp. of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once hot, arrange shrimp in pan, avoiding any overlap (if possible), and cook 3 minutes. Flip, and cook 1 more minute, until the shrimp are firm to the touch and no longer opaque. Transfer to a plate.

  2. 2

    Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 Tbsp. oil to pan, along with shallots and red bell pepper. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, until soft. Add garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes; cook 2 to 3 minutes, until garlic is aromatic and tomato paste is caramelized.Pour in broth to deglaze pan; simmer 5 minutes, or until liquid is reduced by about half. Stir in paprika and spinach; cook 1 to 2 minutes, until spinach is wilted. Finally, stir in heavy cream and lemon juice, and season with remaining 1/2 tsp. sea salt and 1/4 tsp. black pepper.Nestle cooked shrimp back into skillet and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve over rice or orzo, or enjoy with crusty bread.

Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet

Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet

30 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a dinner that's both deeply satisfying and incredibly quick? This Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet delivers a burst of robust flavor in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want restaurant-quality taste without the fuss.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this shrimp skillet a standout is its vibrant flavor profile, achieved with minimal effort. You'll love how the rich, savory paprika and garlic infuse the plump shrimp and tender vegetables, all brought together by a luxurious, velvety cream sauce. It’s a testament to simple ingredients creating complex, comforting flavors.

What to Expect

Prepare for a delightful sensory experience. You'll be treated to perfectly pan-seared shrimp that are succulent and tender, nestled among sautéed spinach and sweet red bell peppers. The sauce is the star: creamy, wonderfully aromatic with garlic and a subtle warmth from the paprika and red pepper flakes. A bright finish of fresh lemon juice and parsley cuts through the richness, leaving a clean, zesty note that makes every bite irresistible. This dish feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to bring to your table.

Customization & Variations

This Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and preferences. While the recipe calls for shallots, finely chopped yellow onion makes a fine substitute in a pinch. Feel free to adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to dial up or down the heat, or play with the amount of paprika for a milder or more pronounced smoky flavor. For a touch more brightness, consider adding extra fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of zest right before serving.

Serving & Context

This versatile dish is an ideal choice for a quick weeknight family meal or a casual dinner with friends. Serve your Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet over cooked orzo or rice to soak up every last drop of the incredible sauce, or simply offer it with some crusty bread for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions