This Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet is a quick, flavor-packed dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly. Juicy shrimp are seared and coated in a smoky paprika cream sauce with garlic, spinach, and a bright touch of lemon—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy sauce with warm garlic and paprika flavors
- Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish
- Family-friendly and elegant enough for guests
- Naturally halal-friendly with simple, wholesome ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb peeled and deveined raw shrimp
- 1 tsp sea salt, divided
- 3/4 tsp cracked black pepper, divided
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 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 low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 handfuls fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1–2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 3 minutes per side until opaque. Transfer to a plate.
- Lower heat to medium. Add remaining oil, shallots, and bell pepper; cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
- Deglaze with broth and simmer until reduced by half.
- Add paprika and spinach; cook until wilted.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and remaining seasoning.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and finish with parsley.
- Serve warm—this Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet pairs beautifully with rice or orzo.
Tips & Tricks
- Use smoked paprika for deeper flavor
- Swap heavy cream with cooking cream for a lighter option
- Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, gluten-free
Notes
Serve with crusty bread, rice, or pasta. Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 26g
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild heat. Reduce or omit red pepper flakes if sensitive.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or a plant-based cooking cream.
What can I substitute for spinach?
Kale or Swiss chard work well.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store up to 2 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Not recommended due to cream sauce
- Reheating: Gently reheat on stovetop over low heat
Similar Recipes
Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb peeled and deveined raw shrimp
- 1 tsp sea salt divided
- 3/4 tsp cracked black pepper divided
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large shallot finely chopped
- 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 low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 handfuls fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 –2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 3 minutes per side until opaque. Transfer to a plate.
- Lower heat to medium. Add remaining oil, shallots, and bell pepper; cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
- Deglaze with broth and simmer until reduced by half.
- Add paprika and spinach; cook until wilted.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and remaining seasoning.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and finish with parsley.
- Serve warm—this Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet pairs beautifully with rice or orzo.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers confidence and deliciousness every time.