One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Imagine tender, succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, aromatic garlic sauce that coats every bite with creamy decadence. This One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp delivers an impressive blend of flavors while keeping cleanup minimal. The combination of sweet shrimp, pungent garlic, and velvety coconut milk creates a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. You’ll learn how to perfectly cook shrimp and create a luscious dairy-free cream sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. The simplicity of cooking everything in a single pan means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a gourmet meal. The contrast between the tender, plump shrimp and the silky sauce creates a textural dance that makes every bite exciting.

What truly sets this dish apart is its depth of flavor – the combination of sautéed garlic, sweet onions, and umami-rich sun-dried tomatoes creates a foundation that supports the delicate flavor of the shrimp perfectly. The sauce achieves a remarkable creaminess without heavy cream, making it lighter yet still indulgent.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile – pair it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or serve it over pasta for a more traditional approach. The vibrant colors from the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious – perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

Ingredients List for the One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp

These ingredients combine to create a harmonious blend of flavors, with the nutrient-rich bone broth and coconut milk forming a dairy-free creamy base that perfectly complements the sweetness of the shrimp.

• 2 1/2 tablespoons grass-fed butter or ghee
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (deveined, with tails on)
• 1/2 yellow onion (diced)
• 1/2 cup bone broth (chicken)
• 8 ounces sun dried tomatoes (in olive oil, SEE NOTES)
• 15 ounces canned coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 8 cups spinach (lightly packed)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Pro Tips

Achieving restaurant-quality results with this One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp comes down to a few critical techniques. First, don’t overcook your shrimp – they should be just opaque and still slightly curved, not tightly curled, which indicates they’re overcooked and will become rubbery. Removing them from the pan after the initial cook and adding them back later ensures they remain perfectly tender.

Second, take your time reducing the bone broth – this concentrates the flavors and creates a more robust base for your sauce. Those browned bits at the bottom of the pan after cooking the shrimp contain immense flavor, so be thorough when scraping them up into the sauce.

Finally, use full-fat coconut milk for the best texture and flavor. Light versions often separate when heated and won’t deliver the same silky consistency. For an extra luxurious sauce, refrigerate the coconut milk beforehand and use only the solid cream portion from the top of the can.

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the ghee / butter / oil and sauté garlic for about 1 minute. Make sure you stir frequently so it does not burn. Add shrimp to pan (pat dry first) and cook on about 2 minutes each side until just opaque throughout & transfer to a bowl.

Step 2: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add broth to the pan, scraping the brown bits from the bottom and stirring frequently. Cook until broth has reduced down by at least 50%.

Step 3: Add 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar and all of the drained, julienned sun-dried tomatoes. Sautee with the onions for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and well combined.

Step 4: Add coconut milk and nutritional yeast to the pan. Once the coconut milk has reached a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low. Add spinach to the pan and stir until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Add shrimp back into the pan and sprinkle with seasoning. Stir frequently for another 5-7 minutes, letting all of the flavors marinade. Season with salt and pepper and serve with cauliflower rice.

Variations

The versatility of One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp allows for numerous delicious adaptations. For a spicy kick, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic, or stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce at the end of cooking. The heat balances beautifully with the creamy sauce and adds another dimension to the flavor profile.

For a Mediterranean twist, substitute the Italian seasoning with 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, then add 1/3 cup of pitted kalamata olives and a quarter cup of crumbled feta (if dairy is permitted in your diet) just before serving. The briny olives and tangy feta complement the sweet shrimp and tomatoes perfectly.

For those who enjoy shellfish medleys, you can replace half the shrimp with scallops. Just ensure you sear the scallops properly before setting them aside with the shrimp, as both seafood varieties require similar careful cooking to maintain their delicate texture.

Storage and Serving

This One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. Add a splash of bone broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

For serving, this creamy garlic shrimp dish pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal. For those who enjoy traditional pairings, serve it over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a grain-free option that still provides that satisfying pasta experience. The sauce is rich enough to coat any base deliciously.

For a stunning presentation, serve the shrimp in shallow bowls with your chosen base, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten all the flavors. A side of simple roasted asparagus or broccoli provides a perfect vegetable accompaniment that can be used to soak up any remaining sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this creamy garlic shrimp recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well! Thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking to ensure proper browning. Excess moisture will cause the shrimp to steam rather than sauté.

Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
For a dairy-free alternative, cashew cream works well. If dairy is acceptable in your diet, heavy cream makes an excellent substitute in equal amounts.

Can I make this ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prepare the sauce up to step 4, but add the shrimp just before serving. Overcooked shrimp can become tough, so it’s best to cook them just before eating for the best texture.

What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can substitute with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese if your diet allows, or simply omit it and add an extra pinch of salt.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or incorporate a diced jalapeño with the onions. For adjustable heat, serve with hot sauce on the side so each person can customize their spice level.

Why This One Pan Dish Works

The magic of this One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp lies in the layering of flavors throughout the cooking process. By first sautéing the garlic in butter, you create an aromatic foundation that infuses the entire dish. The quick cooking of the shrimp seals in their sweetness while creating flavorful fond on the pan bottom.

Bone broth adds depth, while the concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes provides little bursts of intensity throughout the creamy sauce. The coconut milk creates a silky texture that coats each shrimp perfectly, while nutritional yeast adds a subtle umami quality that rounds out all the flavors.

The addition of spinach not only adds nutritional value and beautiful color but also lightens the dish with its fresh taste. This balance of rich and fresh elements, combined with the ease of preparation, makes this creamy garlic shrimp recipe a standout option for both everyday meals and special occasions.

With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this one-pan wonder proves that sophisticated, delicious meals don’t require complicated techniques or countless dishes. The result is a restaurant-worthy dish that comes together in under 30 minutes – perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal any night of the week.

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