Welcome to my favorite quick shrimp recipe that transforms weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary! In just 15 minutes, you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish that’s packed with flavor and simplicity. This easy weeknight dinner combines succulent shrimp, rich cream, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic garlic into one incredible meal.
I’ve perfected this recipe over countless kitchen adventures, and now I’m excited to share my secret to creating a mouthwatering meal without spending hours cooking. Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook looking for something special, this creamy tomato garlic shrimp will become your new go-to recipe.
What makes this dish truly magical is how quickly it comes together. With precise ingredient measurements and clear step-by-step instructions, even novice cooks can confidently prepare a delicious dinner that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant.
Get ready to impress your family and yourself with this incredibly simple yet sophisticated shrimp recipe that proves delicious meals don’t have to be complicated!
Why I Love This Quick Shrimp Dinner
Finding delicious shrimp dinner ideas that don’t consume my entire evening has been a game-changer in my kitchen. This quick seafood recipe solves the weeknight dinner dilemma perfectly. After long days at work, the last thing I want is to spend hours preparing a complicated meal.
My creamy tomato garlic shrimp has become my ultimate rescue recipe. It checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner:
- Ready in just 15 minutes
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Delivers restaurant-quality taste
- Looks impressive on the plate
The beauty of this quick seafood recipe is its incredible versatility. Whether I’m cooking for myself or hosting friends, this dish always impresses. The vibrant pink shrimp nestled in a creamy, aromatic sauce creates a visual feast that feels elegant yet requires minimal effort.
Nutritionally, shrimp is a powerhouse protein that keeps meals both light and satisfying. With garlic and tomatoes adding depth and health benefits, I feel good about serving this to my family. It’s proof that quick shrimp dinner ideas can be both delicious and nutritious.
| Recipe Highlight | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Protein Content | High in lean protein |
| Ingredient Complexity | Simple, readily available ingredients |
This recipe has transformed my approach to weeknight cooking, proving that delicious meals don’t require hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Creating the perfect creamy garlic shrimp starts with selecting the right ingredients. I’ll break down everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
Fresh Shrimp Selection
Choosing the right shrimp is crucial for garlic butter shrimp success. I recommend using large shrimp (16-20 count) that are:
- Peeled and deveined
- Fresh or high-quality frozen
- Wild-caught if possible
Pantry Staples and Aromatics
The flavor foundation of creamy garlic shrimp comes from these key ingredients:
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)
- Fresh garlic (6 cloves, minced)
- Shallot (1 small, finely diced)
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon)
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil (2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish)
Cream and Tomato Base
The luxurious sauce that makes this garlic butter shrimp truly special requires:
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Chicken or seafood broth (1/2 cup)
- Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can, drained)
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated)
Pro tip: Always have these ingredients ready before you start cooking. Fresh garlic and high-quality shrimp make all the difference in creating a memorable creamy garlic shrimp dish that will impress your family and friends.
15-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Get ready to whip up a delicious shrimp in cream sauce that will transform your weeknight dinner routine! This creamy tomato sauce recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a quick and elegant meal. I’ll walk you through creating a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink, then remove and set aside
- Sauté garlic and shallot for 1 minute in the same skillet
- Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, cook for 2 minutes
- Pour in cream and broth, stir in red pepper flakes, simmer for 3 minutes
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted
- Return shrimp to the pan, toss to coat, and cook for 1 minute
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately
This shrimp in cream sauce combines the richness of Parmesan with the bright flavors of tomato and garlic. The creamy tomato sauce clings perfectly to each succulent shrimp, creating a mouth-watering dish that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking delicious shrimp doesn’t have to be complicated. My easy shrimp recipe will guide you through creating a mouthwatering meal in just 15 minutes. Let’s break down the process of how to cook shrimp that’s perfectly tender and full of flavor.
Preparing the Shrimp
Start by ensuring your shrimp are completely dry. Pat them down with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This critical step helps achieve that perfect golden sear when cooking. Season the shrimp generously with salt and pepper.
- Use large or jumbo shrimp for best results
- Ensure shrimp are completely dry before cooking
- Season evenly with salt and pepper
Building the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Creating the sauce is where the magic happens in this shrimp recipe easy enough for weeknight dinners. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and add minced garlic. Watch carefully – you want it fragrant but not burned, which takes about 30-60 seconds.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Cooking Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Minced Garlic | Flavor Base | Cook until fragrant, 30-60 seconds |
| Tomato Paste | Depth of Flavor | Add and stir for rich color |
| Heavy Cream | Creaminess | Stir slowly to prevent separation |
Combining Everything Together
The final step in how to cook shrimp is bringing all elements together. Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the sauce, ensuring each piece is perfectly coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Look for shrimp that are opaque and pink
- Avoid overcooking – shrimp should have a slight curl
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
My creamy tomato shrimp pasta is incredibly versatile and can transform into multiple delicious meals. The garlic shrimp skillet works wonderfully with several base options that will elevate your dining experience.
Perfect Pasta Pairings
When serving this dish, I recommend these pasta choices:
- Linguine – captures the creamy sauce perfectly
- Fettuccine – provides a luxurious texture
- Angel hair pasta – creates a delicate presentation
Alternative Serving Suggestions
Beyond traditional tomato shrimp pasta, try these exciting serving ideas:
- Serve over white or brown rice
- Pair with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Wine and Side Dish Recommendations
To complement your garlic shrimp skillet, I suggest these pairings:
| Wine Pairing | Side Dish |
|---|---|
| Crisp Pinot Grigio | Roasted asparagus |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Sautéed spinach |
| Unoaked Chardonnay | Arugula salad |
This versatile recipe adapts beautifully to different dietary preferences. You can easily transform it into zucchini noodle bowls, taco fillings, or wrap ingredients, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Crafting the perfect creamy garlic shrimp requires some culinary finesse. I’ll share my top expert tips to elevate your dish from good to absolutely delicious. Mastering a few key techniques can transform your cooking and impress everyone at the dinner table.
How to Avoid Overcooking Shrimp
Shrimp are delicate proteins that cook extremely quickly. Watch for these critical signs to prevent rubbery, tough shrimp:
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes maximum per side
- Look for a beautiful pink color and slight C-shape
- Remove from heat when they’re just barely opaque
- Use a kitchen timer to track cooking time precisely
The residual heat continues cooking shrimp even after removing them from the pan. I recommend pulling them off when they’re slightly underdone to ensure perfect texture.
Adjusting the Creaminess and Flavor
Personalizing your creamy garlic shrimp sauce is easy with these quick modifications:
| Goal | Adjustment Technique |
|---|---|
| Lighter Sauce | Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream |
| Extra Richness | Add more butter or grated Parmesan |
| Brightness | Squeeze fresh lemon juice |
| Depth of Flavor | Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes |
Pro tip: The sauce naturally thickens as it sits. When reheating, splash in some pasta water or broth to restore the perfect creamy consistency.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious creamy tomato garlic shrimp, proper storage is key to maintaining its quality. I recommend storing the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The meal will stay fresh for up to three days, but remember that seafood is always best when eaten shortly after cooking.
When reheating, I prefer using the stovetop method. Gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth. Stir carefully and heat for about 3-4 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using high heat, which can make the shrimp tough and rubbery.
For those times when only the microwave will do, use 50% power and reheat in short 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval to distribute heat evenly. While the sauce freezes well for up to two months, the shrimp itself doesn’t maintain its texture when frozen, so it’s best to prepare fresh shrimp when you’re ready to use the saved sauce.
With a bit of practice, you’ll master the art of preparing and storing this quick and delicious dinner. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll always have a fantastic meal ready in minutes.