Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp One Pan Delight

Are you ready to impress dinner guests or spice up your weeknight meals? My Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp One Pan Delight is the perfect recipe for you! In just a few simple steps, you’ll transform fresh shrimp into a rich and tangy dish full of flavor. This easy one-pan dinner brings together creamy sauce, garlic, and bright lemon for a meal that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 3 tablespoons olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers

– 1 tablespoon lemon zest

– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Garnish

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 3 cups spinach

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Gathering fresh ingredients makes a big difference. For this dish, I prefer large shrimp. They have great flavor and texture. Heavy cream gives the sauce a rich taste. Olive oil helps cook the garlic and shrimp perfectly. Minced garlic adds a nice punch that pairs well with lemon.

Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish. They bring the flavors together nicely. Italian seasoning adds herbs without extra work. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes.

For veggies, I love using cherry tomatoes. Their sweetness complements the shrimp. Spinach adds color and nutrition. Grated Parmesan cheese gives a cheesy finish. Finally, fresh parsley brings a pop of green to the plate.

These ingredients come together to create a delightful meal. Each one plays a role in making the dish shine. You’ll love the balance of flavors in every bite!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Shrimp

– Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it; you want it fragrant and golden.

– Step 2: Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and curl slightly. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Preparing the Creamy Sauce

– Step 3: In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, along with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Stir well and bring to a simmer. This will help blend the flavors. Allow the sauce to thicken for about 2-3 minutes.

– Step 4: Keep stirring as the sauce simmers. It should become creamy and luscious, perfect for coating the shrimp later.

Combining the Ingredients

– Step 5: Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the sauce. Cook them for about 2 minutes. This will soften the tomatoes and add sweetness to the sauce.

– Step 6: Stir in 3 cups of spinach and cook until wilted. Then, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Mix everything well and heat through for about 1 minute. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Now you have a delicious creamy lemon garlic shrimp dish ready to serve!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Shrimp

– Choosing the right shrimp: For this recipe, use large shrimp. They cook well and have great flavor. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slight sheen. Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen works too. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

– Cooking shrimp to avoid toughness: Cook shrimp quickly. Overcooking makes them rubbery. Aim for 2-3 minutes on each side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the heat as soon as they’re cooked.

Enhancing the Flavor

– Additional herbs and spices: You can add more flavor with fresh herbs like basil or thyme. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat if you like spice. Experiment with what you enjoy.

– Using fresh vs. dried ingredients: Fresh ingredients often taste better, especially herbs. Use fresh garlic for a stronger flavor. However, dried herbs work in a pinch. Just remember to use less since dried herbs are more potent.

Serving Suggestions

– Pairing with pasta or rice: Serve this dish over pasta or rice for a full meal. The creamy sauce pairs nicely with both. Choose your favorite type, like fettuccine or jasmine rice.

– Garnishing for presentation: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color. You can also drizzle some extra lemon juice on top. This makes the dish look bright and fresh.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can switch proteins in this dish. Try chicken or scallops instead of shrimp. Chicken works well when cut into small pieces. Cook it until browned, then follow the same steps. Scallops add a sweet touch and cook quickly. Just be careful not to overcook them.

For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or cashew cream. Coconut cream gives a rich flavor. Cashew cream is lighter and very creamy. Both options keep your dish smooth and tasty.

Flavor Variations

Adding different vegetables can change the taste. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch. Zucchini brings a mild flavor and nice texture. You can add them along with the cherry tomatoes for a colorful mix.

Infusing the sauce with white wine makes it special. Choose a dry white wine for the best taste. Add the wine after cooking the garlic. Let it simmer for a bit to cook off the alcohol. This step enhances the overall flavor.

Dietary Adjustments

If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you’re in luck! This dish is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any pasta or sides you serve are gluten-free too.

For low-carb options, skip the pasta and serve the dish on a bed of spinach or cauliflower rice. This keeps it light while still being filling. You can enjoy all the flavors without the carbs.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your creamy lemon garlic shrimp fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. Store the container in the fridge. This will help keep the shrimp and sauce tasty. For best results, eat leftovers within 2-3 days.

When reheating creamy dishes, do so gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Stir often to prevent the sauce from breaking. You can add a splash of lemon juice or cream to revive the sauce’s smooth texture.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze creamy lemon garlic shrimp, but keep in mind that the sauce might change. To freeze properly, place cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air and seal tightly. This helps to prevent freezer burn.

When it’s time to eat, thaw the shrimp overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, reheat in a skillet over low heat. Stir frequently to ensure even heating. You can add a bit of cream or milk to help with the consistency.

Shelf Life

Leftover creamy lemon garlic shrimp will last in the fridge for about 2-3 days. If frozen, it can last up to 2 months.

Always check for signs of spoilage. If the shrimp smells off or has a slimy texture, it’s best to discard it. Trust your senses; when in doubt, throw it out.

FAQs

How do I know when shrimp is cooked?

You can tell shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque. The flesh will look firm. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. If the shrimp curl tightly, they are likely done. To be safe, the internal temperature should reach 120°F.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare some parts in advance. Cook the shrimp and sauce, then store them separately. This keeps the shrimp from getting tough. You can also chop the garlic and veggies ahead. Just reheat everything together when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with butter for a lighter option. Coconut cream is great for a dairy-free twist. Silken tofu blended until smooth also works well. Just adjust seasonings to taste.

Other related questions as found in “People Also Ask” on Google.

– Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just thaw them first.

– What type of shrimp is best? Large shrimp or jumbo shrimp work great.

– Can I add more veggies? Absolutely! Bell peppers or asparagus add color and flavor.

– Is this dish spicy? It is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes for heat.

This blog post covered essential ingredients and detailed steps for a creamy shrimp dish. I shared tips for perfecting shrimp and enhancing flavors. You can modify the recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs.

Remember, cooking is about enjoying the process and experimenting. Don’t hesitate to try new ingredients or techniques. Happy cooking!