This Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet is a quick and tasty meal that brings together tender shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce full of garlic and a smoky hint of paprika. It’s one of those dishes where the flavors just blend perfectly, making every bite satisfying and a little special. The sauce is smooth and comforting, while the shrimp add a nice pop of texture.
I love making this skillet on busy weeknights because it comes together fast and feels like a real treat without a lot of fuss. A little tip I have is to make sure you don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook so fast and stay juicy when just done. I also like to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end to brighten everything up.
To serve, I often spoon it over some fluffy rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up all the creamy sauce. It’s a simple meal that looks impressive and tastes even better the next day if you have leftovers. This dish always gets compliments and has become one of my go-to recipes when I want something comforting with a bit of a kick.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp cook quickly and stay juicy. If you can’t find shrimp, peeled and deveined chicken chunks work well too. Frozen shrimp can be used—just thaw completely first.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a nice smoky flavor and color. If unavailable, regular paprika or a mix of sweet paprika and a tiny bit of cumin can work as a substitute.
Heavy Cream: It makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter option, half-and-half or coconut milk can be used, but the sauce will be less thick.
Chicken Broth or Seafood Stock: Both add depth. Seafood stock intensifies the shrimp flavor but chicken broth is more common and tasty for this dish.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds color. You can swap with kale or Swiss chard if desired, but cook them a bit longer.
How Do You Make the Creamy Garlic-Paprika Sauce Perfect?
The sauce needs gentle cooking to develop flavor and thicken just right. Here’s how:
- After cooking shrimp, use the same pan to keep those tasty browned bits—this adds flavor.
- Sauté garlic (and onion if using) carefully; don’t let the garlic burn or it will taste bitter.
- Pour in broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck on the bottom—this lifts flavor into the sauce.
- Add cream and diced tomatoes, simmer gently. Stir often to prevent cream from separating or burning.
- Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, around 3-5 minutes, but don’t rush—low simmer is key.
Following these steps ensures a smooth, rich sauce that clings nicely to the shrimp and veggies.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large nonstick or stainless steel skillet – perfect for cooking shrimp evenly and making the sauce without sticking.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – lets you stir the sauce gently without scratching your pan.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get your spices, cream, and broth just right.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping garlic, onion, parsley, and spinach easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for a nice earthy touch and extra texture.
- Swap shrimp with scallops or firm white fish if you want a different seafood twist.
- Stir in red pepper flakes instead of chili powder for a sharper heat.
- Melt in some Parmesan cheese after simmering for a richer, cheesier sauce.
Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Shrimp and Seasoning:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
Sauce and Veggies:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or seafood stock
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Garnish and Serving:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 5 minutes prepping and then about 15 minutes cooking the shrimp and creamy sauce. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder if you like a little heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside for now.
2. Making the Garlic Sauce Base:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion if using. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes until they’re fragrant and the onion becomes translucent. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
3. Building the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth or seafood stock to deglaze the pan. Use a spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet – those add great flavor! Let the broth reduce slightly, about 2 minutes.
Next, stir in the heavy cream and diced tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens a bit, about 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Adding Veggies and Returning Shrimp:
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts down nicely. Then, return the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, stirring everything together so the shrimp get nicely coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through.
5. Final Touches and Serving:
Turn off the heat and stir in fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top as a lovely garnish. Serve right away with crusty bread to scoop up every bit of that delicious creamy sauce. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely in the fridge overnight or quickly under cold running water. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the skillet.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the shrimp and sauce, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from separating.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm slowly on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Serve with This Creamy Shrimp Skillet?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, steamed rice, or pasta. For a low-carb option, try serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
