Description
Creamy Paprika Shrimp is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish featuring succulent shrimp seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with sweet and smoked paprika. This 30-minute recipe serves 4 and is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a touch of smoky heat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tsp black pepper (divided)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (deseeded and diced)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Chopped parsley (for serving)
- Chili flakes (for serving)
Instructions
- Seasoning: Combine the shrimp with sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a bowl to evenly coat the shrimp with the spices.
- Prep Ingredients: Deseed and dice the red bell pepper and mince all garlic cloves to have them ready for cooking.
- Searing the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear each side for 1 minute until just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside in a clean bowl.
- Sautéing Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium and add the diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and continue sautéing for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika along with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Simmering Sauce: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavors. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce and meld the flavors together.
- Finishing the Dish: Return the shrimp to the skillet and simmer for an additional 1 minute just until heated through, ensuring the shrimp remain tender and juicy.
- Serving: Top the creamy paprika shrimp with freshly chopped parsley, chili flakes for a bit of heat, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and better texture.
- Adjust chili flakes to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, crusty bread, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
