Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp

Save this recipe on:

Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp is the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp seared to golden perfection, then coated in a luscious garlic and smoked paprika cream sauce that’s both comforting and bold. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, yet elegant enough to impress guests.

The rich sauce, kissed with butter, heavy cream, and a splash of broth, wraps around every shrimp like a warm hug. Serve it over rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes for a deeply satisfying meal with layers of flavor in every bite. If you’re a fan of bold seasonings and creamy textures, this shrimp dish is bound to become a favorite.

---

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bold Flavor: Smoky paprika and fresh garlic bring the flavor.
• Customizable: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even cauliflower mash.
• Restaurant Quality: Tastes like something you’d order out, but made at home.

---

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For this recipe, medium to large raw shrimp (about 21-25 per pound) work best. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy prep. Frozen shrimp is perfectly fine—just thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before cooking. Tail-on or tail-off is up to you, but tail-on does add a touch of elegance if you’re serving to guests.

---

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp

Each ingredient in this recipe serves an essential role in building a dish that’s full of flavor and comfort.

• Shrimp: The star of the dish, tender and juicy, providing a light seafood base.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps in browning the shrimp.
• Garlic: Delivers a bold, aromatic base.
• Smoked Paprika: Gives a warm, smoky flavor that elevates the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce velvety and indulgent.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and thins out the sauce slightly.
• Olive Oil: Used to sear the shrimp and add a hint of fruitiness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish and adds color.

---

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until slightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan, add a little more butter if needed and toss in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan. Add heavy cream and smoked paprika. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the shrimp to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes so the shrimp soak up the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

---

How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp

This comforting shrimp dish is best served hot and fresh, right out of the skillet. It serves 4 people generously, making it ideal for a family dinner or a small dinner party.

To store leftovers, transfer the shrimp and sauce into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s smoothness.

Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.

---

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect base to soak up all that luxurious sauce.

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Light and fluffy, jasmine rice is an easy and delicious side.

Garlic Bread

Great for dipping and perfect for a hearty seafood dinner.

Roasted Asparagus

Adds a bright, slightly crisp texture that balances the creamy shrimp.

Buttered Noodles

Simple egg noodles tossed in butter make an easy companion.

Zucchini Noodles

For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini is light and fresh.

Sauteed Spinach

Quick to prepare and rich in iron, it rounds out the meal beautifully.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the pan.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can substitute with regular paprika or add a pinch of cayenne for a kick, though the smoky flavor is a key highlight of this dish.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and plant-based butter for a dairy-free version. It will slightly alter the flavor but still taste fantastic.

Is it spicy?
This dish is mildly spicy thanks to the smoked paprika, but not overwhelming. You can adjust the heat level by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

What type of pan should I use?
A heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan works best for getting that perfect sear on the shrimp and for evenly heating the sauce.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve it with pasta or rice? Did you add a little kick of spice?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and health-boosting dishes on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to meals!

---

Save this recipe on: