Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your choice)
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2 tbsp olive oil (or butter, for richer flavor)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup heavy cream (for a rich sauce) or half-and-half (for a lighter version)
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1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine for a more intense flavor)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
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Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
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Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Add the Cream and Cheese:
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Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens up slightly. If it gets too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or cream to adjust the consistency.
4. Season and Add the Shrimp:
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Season the sauce with crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
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Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy garlic sauce. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve:
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
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Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles. It’s also great served alongside steamed veggies or a simple salad.
Tips:
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For Extra Flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for a bright, zesty contrast to the creamy sauce.
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Spice It Up: If you like your dish a little spicier, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
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Make It Lighter: You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version or use a light cream or milk for a lighter dish.
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Adding Veggies: If you want to add more veggies to the dish, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are great additions.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp is rich, flavorful, and indulgent, making it the perfect comfort food when you want something special but easy to prepare. Let me know how it turns out or if you’d like any more twists on the recipe!