There’s something truly enchanting about the moment you pour a silky sauce over tender, succulent shrimp. As the garlic sizzles in the pan, it whispers promises of flavor that dance on the palate. Enter One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp—a dish that combines the comforting warmth of Italian cuisine with a hint of Thai-inspired richness, all crafted in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.
After a long day, I often find myself longing for meals that are both quick and delightful. This recipe, ready in under 30 minutes, comes to the rescue with its gluten-free and paleo credentials. The infusion of coconut milk mingles perfectly with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, creating a meal that’s lavish yet health-conscious. It’s the kind of dish that impresses at dinner parties or feels like a treat on a quiet weeknight—without the unnecessary fuss. Get ready to elevate your dinner game effortlessly!
Why is One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp a Must-Try?
Simplicity: Enjoy a delicious meal without the stress of complicated cooking.
Flavor Explosion: The blend of garlic, coconut milk, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a sauce that’s rich yet refreshing.
Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Options: Customize with chicken or your favorite veggies for a unique twist.
One-Pan Ease: Less cleanup means more time to savor your meal!
Elevate your dinner experience with this enticing recipe that’s sure to impress!
One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp Ingredients
For the Sauce
- Grass-fed Butter or Ghee – Adds richness to the sauce; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Garlic Cloves – Provides aromatic depth; use minced garlic or garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
- Bone Broth (Chicken) – Enhances flavor and moisture; can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Canned Coconut Milk – Creates a creamy sauce; non-coconut alternatives include half & half or heavy cream for richer flavor.
- Nutritional Yeast – Adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy; can be omitted if desired.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.
For the Shrimp & Vegetables
- Large Shrimp (deveined, tails on) – The main protein source, ensuring a hearty dish; if using frozen, thaw and dry thoroughly before cooking.
- Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and texture; can substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes – Provide tanginess and depth; if unavailable, use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
- Spinach (lightly packed) – Adds nutrition and color; substitute with kale or any leafy green if unavailable.
- Italian Seasoning – Provides an Italian herb blend flavor; use individual herbs (e.g., basil, oregano) if needed.
With these ingredients for One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp, you’re on the way to a delightful fusion of flavors that’s both quick and satisfying!
How to Make One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp
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Melt In a large skillet over medium heat, add grass-fed butter or ghee and let it melt. Toss in minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute—this sets the aromatic foundation of our dish.
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Sauté Once the garlic is aromatic, add the dried shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn opaque. When done, transfer the shrimp to a bowl and set aside.
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Cook Increase the heat to medium-high and add the diced yellow onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent, adding a sweet layer to our dish.
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Deglaze Pour in the chicken bone broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits off the skillet; cook this mixture until it reduces by half, pulling all that fantastic flavor together.
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Combine Now add 1 tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes along with the drained tomatoes. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld deliciously.
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Whisk Stir in the canned coconut milk and nutritional yeast, raising the heat to bring the mixture to a boil before reducing it to medium-low. This will create a creamy, luscious sauce.
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Wilt Toss in the lightly packed spinach. Stir until just wilted, about 2 minutes, then return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, mixing everything well to combine the flavors.
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Season Finally, season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld into a delightful medley.
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Serve Dish up the creamy garlic shrimp over cauliflower rice, rice, or pasta, garnishing with fresh lemon wedges and parsley for a vibrant finish.
Optional: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp Variations
Feel free to let your creative culinary spirit shine as you explore these delightful twists on the classic dish.
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Chicken Swap: Replace shrimp with chicken pieces; cook longer until fully done for a hearty option.
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Veggie Boost: Add colorful bell peppers or zucchini for a delightful crunch, bringing freshness and nutrition.
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Spicy Kick: Introduce red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
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Herb Infusion: Swap out Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for a unique and fragrant twist.
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Coconut Alternative: Use cashew cream in place of coconut milk for a nutty flavor that still delivers creaminess.
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Mushroom Magic: Stir in sliced mushrooms for extra texture and umami, creating a deeper flavor profile.
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Seafood Medley: Mix shrimp and scallops for a luxurious seafood dish that’s bound to impress.
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Grain Variation: Serve over quinoa or farro instead of rice for a nutritious and earthy base to your dish.
Expand your taste horizons and customize your One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp to suit your mood or dietary needs!
Make Ahead Options
The One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort. You can prep the shrimp and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Additionally, you can chop the onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For the creamy sauce components, combine the coconut milk and nutritional yeast in advance, keeping it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. When it’s time to serve, simply sauté the veggies, add the shrimp, and stir in the prepared sauce—resulting in the same delightful taste, just as fresh and satisfying!
What to Serve with One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
Picture a cozy family dinner where every bite bursts with flavor and warmth. Your One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp is just the beginning!
- Cauliflower Rice: A great low-carb alternative that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully, giving you that satisfying base without the carbs.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and fresh, these noodles perfectly complement the richness of the shrimp, adding a lovely crunch to every bite.
- Garlic Bread: The ultimate indulgence to soak up all that delicious sauce; it’s an irresistible pairing that everyone will love.
- Steamed Broccoli: Adds a bright green pop and a slight crunch. The earthiness of broccoli is a wonderful balance to the creamy shrimp.
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette provides freshness to balance the dish’s richness.
- Chardonnay: A chilled glass of this white wine enhances the creamy flavors while complementing the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Lemon Sorbet: To finish on a sweet note, this light and refreshing dessert cleanses the palate, offering just the right zing to round off your meal.
- Pasta: For those who desire something traditional, serve it over whole-grain or gluten-free pasta to capture all the flavors in every mouthful.
Elevate your dining experience by mixing and matching these pairings, turning your One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp into a memorable meal!
Storage Tips for One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Fridge: Store leftover One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. This helps preserve the creamy texture and flavors.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the shrimp dish in a suitable container for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by using a tightly sealed bag or container.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or broth if needed to maintain creaminess. Avoid microwaving to keep the shrimp tender.
- Thawing: To thaw frozen portions, move them to the fridge overnight. This allows for an even and safe defrost before reheating.
Expert Tips for One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp
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Prep Ingredients First: Organizing your ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process and helps avoid overlooking crucial steps.
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Dry Shrimp Thoroughly: Pat your shrimp dry before cooking to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery—this guarantees a luscious, creamy finish.
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Choose Quality Tomatos: Fresh sun-dried tomatoes will amplify the dish’s flavor; rinse jarred ones packed in oil to prevent excess oiliness.
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Tweak the Sauce Thickness: For a thicker sauce, consider whisking in an arrowroot slurry towards the end to achieve that restaurant-like consistency.
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Taste as You Go: Remember to sample your dish while cooking. Adjusting salt and spices to your palate will elevate the overall flavor of your One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp.
One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting shrimp, look for large, firm shrimp that have a shiny, translucent appearance. If they have a fishy odor or dark spots all over, it’s best to avoid them. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean—not unpleasant! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them beforehand and pat them dry to achieve the best texture and flavor.
How should I store leftover One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
To keep your leftover One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp fresh, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This method helps preserve the delicious creamy texture and flavors. Just remember to reheat it gently so the shrimp remain tender.
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Can I freeze One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp for later?
Very! You can freeze this dish by placing it in a suitable container or a tightly sealed freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and rewarm on the stove over low heat. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of coconut milk or broth to restore the creaminess.
What can I do if the sauce is too watery?
If you find your sauce is too watery, there are a few ways to thicken it up! Start by ensuring your shrimp are dry before cooking. If the sauce still feels loose, try whisking in an arrowroot slurry: mix 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir this into the sauce while it simmers. Let it cook for a few minutes until thickened to your liking.
Are there dietary considerations for this recipe?
Definitely! This One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp is inherently gluten-free, paleo, and low-carb, making it suitable for a variety of diets. However, if you have seafood allergies or are cooking for someone who does, you can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu, adjusting the cooking times accordingly. Always be mindful of any additional allergies related to ingredients like coconut milk or sun-dried tomatoes, and feel free to omit or substitute as needed.
Can I use regular cream instead of coconut milk?
Absolutely! If you prefer a richer flavor and aren’t concerned about allergies or dietary restrictions, you can opt for half & half or heavy cream as a non-coconut alternative in this recipe. The texture will still be fabulous, giving you that creamy finish that we all crave!
One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Quick Comfort in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt grass-fed butter or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side until opaque. Transfer shrimp to a bowl and set aside.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Pour in bone broth, scraping any brown bits off the skillet. Cook until reduced by half.
- Add oil from sun-dried tomatoes and drained tomatoes. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in canned coconut milk and nutritional yeast, bringing mixture to a boil before reducing to medium-low.
- Toss in spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Return shrimp to the skillet and mix well.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Serve over cauliflower rice, rice, or pasta, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and parsley.