Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again! The Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet is a one-pan wonder that brings together plump, juicy shrimp, a velvety sauce loaded with sweet paprika and garlic, and just the right amount of fresh zing. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight pick-me-up or impressing friends at your table, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.

Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore most about this skillet dinner is how the straightforward ingredients work together to create pure magic. Every element has a purpose, from giving the sauce its lush creaminess to adding color and a hint of smoky flavor.

Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp cook quickly and become sweet and tender in a flash.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve a golden sear on the shrimp while keeping things light and Mediterranean.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a rich, silky texture and boosts the savory depth of the sauce.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): A star player! Its aroma and punchy flavor give the dish unmistakable warmth.
Paprika (2 teaspoons, sweet or smoked): The paprika brings gorgeous color and an earthy, slightly sweet smokiness to the sauce.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce lusciously creamy and helps all the flavors meld together.
Chicken or vegetable broth (1/4 cup): Provides body and keeps the sauce from getting too heavy.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens everything up with a pop of tang that balances the creaminess.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances every other ingredient and makes the shrimp sing.
Fresh parsley (to garnish): Lends herby freshness and a splash of green for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Toss your shrimp with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and half the butter. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about one minute on each side, until they turn pink and just opaque. Scoop them out onto a plate; they’ll finish cooking later, so don’t overdo it!

Step 2: Build the Garlic-Paprika Base

Drop the remaining butter into the empty skillet, then add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the garlic is aromatic but not browned. Sprinkle in the paprika and give everything a good stir, letting the spice bloom gently and fill your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits clinging to the pan. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, then lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Cook another 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly into a glossy, dreamy pool of flavor.

Step 4: Finish with Shrimp and Lemon

Add the shrimp (and any of their juices!) back into the skillet. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice, toss everything together and cook for another minute until the shrimp are coated and perfectly cooked through. Taste, adjusting the salt and pepper if needed, and get ready to swoon.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet

Garnishes

Nothing completes this Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet quite like a flurry of chopped fresh parsley and an extra dusting of paprika or cracked black pepper. For extra brightness, a few wedges of lemon on the side are always welcome. These touches make the dish look positively restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This skillet begs for something to sop up the luscious sauce! Serve it over buttered noodles, atop fluffy rice, or with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal. For a lighter take, steamed vegetables or a simple green salad round out the flavors and add some welcome crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow at your next dinner party, spoon the shrimp and sauce into small bowls or over toasted baguette rounds for a tapas-style appetizer. Or toss the shrimp with cooked pasta and extra sauce for an impromptu seafood pasta. The Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet looks dazzling in a cast-iron pan, right on the table — let everyone dig in family-style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet will keep beautifully! Just transfer them into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors often meld together even more overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch extra special.

Freezing

While shrimp can toughen with freezing and thawing, this dish holds up pretty well in the freezer for up to one month. Cool the shrimp and sauce completely before sealing in a freezer-safe container. For best results, thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating, to maintain that creamy texture.

Reheating

Warm your Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth as needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat, which can make the shrimp rubbery. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through — in the microwave, use 50 percent power and cover loosely.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry with paper towels so they sear nicely and don’t water down the sauce in your Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You sure can. Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and the heavy cream for coconut cream or a thick cashew cream. The flavor profile shifts slightly but you’ll still enjoy a lovely, creamy sauce.

What kind of paprika works best?

Both sweet and smoked paprika work wonders — sweet paprika yields a brighter flavor, while smoked paprika adds a deep, earthy dimension to the Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet. Try a blend for even more complexity!

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

Yes! Toss in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes right after the garlic for a burst of color and extra nutrition. Just make sure veggies cook through before adding the cream and shrimp back to the pan.

What wine pairs well with Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet?

A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect. Their acidity cuts right through the richness and highlights the shrimp beautifully. For something special, try a chilled dry rosé.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that’s equal parts comforting and bold, the Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet is the answer. I hope you’ll give it a try soon — it’s one of those simple recipes that feels like a treat every single time.

Creamy Garlic-Paprika Shrimp Skillet Recipe