Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Veggies

Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Veggies: 7 Vibrant Flavors

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Introduction

Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Veggies brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your skillet in under 20 minutes. Plump shrimp sear to pink perfection, then bathe in a velvety garlic-cream sauce enriched with mascarpone. Bright cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness while tender spinach leaves wilt into the sauce, creating a dish that’s both light and indulgent.

I first made this on a hectic weeknight when the fridge held only shrimp, cream, and a handful of produce. The simplicity amazed me: a quick sauté of garlic, a splash of cream, and instant color from tomatoes and spinach. Within minutes, my kitchen smelled like a seaside bistro. My family dug in, marveling at how such few ingredients felt so luxurious.

Unlike heavy cream-only sauces, the addition of creamy cheese adds body without weighing you down. And because everything cooks in one pan, cleanup is a breeze. If you’ve loved our One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken, you’ll find this shrimp version equally comforting but with a bright veggie twist. Let’s dive in and see why this is your next go-to dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy Prep: Ready in about 20 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Shrimp, sauce, and veggies all in the same skillet.
  • Rich & Light: Creamy texture balanced by fresh spinach and tomatoes.
  • Customizable Heat: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil for a kick.
  • Versatile Pairings: Serves beautifully over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup creamy cheese (mascarpone or cream cheese)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep Shrimp & Veggies
    • Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
    • Halve cherry tomatoes and rinse spinach; mince garlic.
  2. Sauté Garlic
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Cook Shrimp
    • Increase heat to medium-high.
    • Add shrimp in a single layer; cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
    • Transfer shrimp to a plate; set aside.
  4. Build the Cream Sauce
    • Lower heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
    • Whisk in creamy cheese until fully melted and smooth.
    • Stir in Italian seasoning.
  5. Add Veggies
    • Stir in cherry tomatoes; cook 1 minute until they begin to soften.
    • Add spinach; toss until wilted, about 30 seconds.
  6. Finish & Serve
    • Return shrimp to the skillet; stir to coat in sauce and heat through (1–2 minutes).
    • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper.
    • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pasta: Toss with linguine or fettuccine for a quick seafood pasta.
  • Rice: Spoon over steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
  • Bread: Serve with toasted baguette slices to mop up sauce.
  • Veggie Bowl: Pair with roasted zucchini and bell peppers for extra color.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
    Yes—thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water.
  2. Is this sauce freezer-friendly?
    Cream sauces can separate when frozen. Better to freeze shrimp and reheat with fresh sauce.
  3. How do I make it dairy-free?
    Swap cream for full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free cream cheese.
  4. Can I double the recipe?
    Absolutely—use a larger skillet or work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  5. What if I don’t have mascarpone?
    Cream cheese or ricotta will work; expect a slightly tangier taste.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, serves 4)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Carbs: 6 g
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg

Recipe Tips

  • Dry Shrimp Thoroughly: Ensures a good sear and prevents watery sauce.
  • Room-Temp Dairy: Let cream and cheese sit at room temperature 10 minutes for easier melting.
  • Control Consistency: For a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth; for thicker, simmer a minute longer.
  • Fresh Herbs: Swap parsley for basil or chives for different aromatics.
  • Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds warmth without overpowering.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Veggies skillet proves that gourmet meals can be effortless. With minimal prep and a single pan, you’ll enjoy tender shrimp, a silky sauce, and vibrant veggies in mere minutes.

For more one-pan seafood inspiration, explore SeafoodSource’s collection of quick shrimp recipes and Cooking Light’s guide to lighter cream sauces. Enjoy—and happy cooking!

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