Creamy Spicy Garlic Shrimp (Mediterranean-Inspired)
This Creamy Spicy Garlic Shrimp dish is a bold and velvety creation with Mediterranean flair. Featuring tender seared shrimp in a luscious, garlic-infused cream sauce seasoned with smoked paprika, chili, herbs, and a touch of citrus, it’s packed with flavor and perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or crusty bread. A stunning, restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean Fusion
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp chili flakes or cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot or 1/4 onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
1 tbsp chopped red bell pepper or chili for color
Optional: crumbled feta or a drizzle of Greek yogurt for extra Mediterranean flair
Instructions
Season & Sear the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant, 1–2 minutes.
Stir in chicken broth (or wine) and deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits.
Add cream, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Finish the Dish:
Stir in Parmesan and let the sauce thicken slightly.
Return the shrimp to the pan, toss to coat.
Sprinkle with red pepper, fresh parsley, and optional feta or yogurt.
Serve:
Serve hot over rice, pasta, couscous, or with crusty bread. Garnish with extra herbs or lemon zest.
Tips
Pat the shrimp dry before cooking
Ensures a nice sear and prevents the shrimp from steaming instead of caramelizing.
Control the heat level
Adjust the chili flakes or cayenne to suit your spice preference. Start small and taste as you go.
Use high-quality shrimp
Wild-caught shrimp or fresh (not pre-cooked) frozen shrimp yield the best flavor and texture.
Deglaze the pan well
Use white wine or broth to lift all the flavorful brown bits from the pan—this adds depth to your sauce.
Don’t overcook the cream sauce
Simmer it gently to avoid curdling and maintain a silky texture.
Balance flavors
Add lemon juice gradually—too much at once can overpower the dish. You can also use zest for brightness.
Variations
Dairy-Free Version:
Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for heavy cream. Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
Add Vegetables:
Toss in chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for added nutrients and texture.
Make it a Pasta Dish:
Serve the shrimp and sauce over linguine, penne, or orzo for a full pasta meal.
Use Other Proteins:
Swap shrimp for scallops, chunks of salmon, grilled chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Mediterranean Bowl-Style:
Serve over herbed couscous or lemon rice with a side of hummus or tzatziki.
Creamy Tomato Twist:
Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste or crushed tomatoes to the sauce for a rich, rosé-style variation.
Herb Upgrades:
Mix in fresh basil, dill, or oregano for added Mediterranean notes.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just thaw and pat dry before seasoning.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Best fresh, but you can make the sauce in advance and reheat gently with the shrimp added just before serving.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Linguine, orzo, or even couscous complements the creamy sauce.
Q: Can I use other proteins?
A: Absolutely! Try scallops, chicken, or even tofu.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 370
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 6g
Fat: 26g
Sodium: 750mg
Sugar: 2g
Nutrition may vary based on cream and cheese used.
Conclusion
This Creamy Spicy Garlic Shrimp dish is the perfect mix of richness, spice, and Mediterranean brightness. It’s fast, flavorful, and versatile enough for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. Whether served over pasta or sopped up with warm bread, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.