There’s something undeniably comforting about a skillet dinner. Especially one that bubbles with creaminess, fills the kitchen with the deep aroma of garlic and paprika, and comes together in under 30 minutes. This Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp Skillet is exactly that kind of meal — quick enough for a weeknight but so cozy and flavorful it feels like something you’d serve on a special occasion.

For me, this recipe brings back memories of chilly evenings spent at my grandmother’s house, where shrimp was often the centerpiece of a hearty, comforting meal. While she never called it a “skillet recipe,” the spirit was the same — simple, rustic, and made with love. The smoky warmth of paprika always lingered in the air, and the creamy sauce was something we’d all swipe up with warm bread until the pan was practically clean.

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Creamy shrimp dishes like this one are also popular across Mediterranean and Southern European cuisines, where garlic and paprika are pantry staples. It’s the kind of meal that hits all the right notes: rich, savory, and just a touch indulgent — yet light enough that it doesn’t weigh you down.

Whether you’re craving a one-pan dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor or you’re just trying to jazz up your usual shrimp routine, this dish is sure to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick and easy: Ready in 30 minutes or less with minimal prep.
Rich in flavor: Smoky paprika, savory garlic, and a luscious cream sauce bring the shrimp to life.
One-skillet magic: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even spoon it onto a toasted slice of sourdough.
Great for guests: It looks and tastes fancy, but it’s secretly super simple.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

1 ½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY GARLIC PAPRIKA SHRIMP SKILLET:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Prep the shrimp
If your shrimp is frozen, be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps it sear nicely in the skillet and keeps the sauce from becoming watery.

Step 2: Sear the shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches depending on your skillet size). Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until just pink and lightly golden. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.

Little tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — we want the shrimp to get that nice little sear!

Step 3: Build the flavor base
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then stir in the smoked paprika, sweet paprika, and onion powder. Let everything toast together for another 30 seconds — it should smell heavenly.

Step 4: Create the creamy sauce
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom (those little browned bits are pure flavor!). Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Finish the dish
Return the shrimp to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, just until the shrimp are heated through. Squeeze in the lemon juice, season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir gently to combine.

Step 6: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot. Spoon it over rice, pasta, crusty bread, or even cauliflower mash for a lighter option.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Use high-quality shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp make all the difference in taste and texture.
Adjust paprika to your taste: Smoked paprika gives a deeper, more robust flavor. For a milder version, you can reduce it and bump up the sweet paprika instead.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook quickly! Once they turn opaque and pink, they’re done.
Customize it: Add a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes to the sauce if you like a little extra color and veg.
Make it dairy-free: Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk — it’ll change the flavor slightly, but still be delicious.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Diet: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb

NOTES:

You can make this sauce thicker by simmering it longer, or thinner by adding a splash more broth.
If you want a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
This dish pairs beautifully with white rice, pasta, or even creamy polenta.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Serving – Approximate):

Calories: 390
Protein: 32g
Fat: 27g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all — the paprika adds smokiness, not heat. If you want a spicy kick, feel free to add some chili flakes.

Can I substitute chicken for shrimp?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced chicken breast works great — just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with this dish?
Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, couscous, or even a crusty baguette to soak up that dreamy sauce.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.

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CONCLUSION

This Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp Skillet is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s quick, it’s comforting, and it delivers big flavor with very little effort. Whether you’re whipping up a quiet weeknight dinner or cooking to impress, this one-skillet wonder brings warmth and elegance to the table with every bite.