Creamy Shrimp Paprikash
A quick and easy Creamy Shrimp Paprikash recipe featuring tender shrimp in a luscious, paprika-infused cream sauce. Perfect for a flavorful yet light dinner that combines smoky, sweet, and savory notes with a comforting texture, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Hungarian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Seafood
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste (for spice)
Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Fats
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: lemon zest for garnish
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp. Finely chop the onion and garlic. Measure out the paprika, and have the heavy cream and broth ready for cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, forming the base of the sauce.
- Add Paprika and Liquids: Sprinkle in the sweet paprika, stirring quickly to bloom the spice without burning. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the simmering sauce and cook just until they turn pink and curl, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender.
- Finish with Cream and Seasoning: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish. Serve immediately with noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use fresh paprika for brighter flavor and color.
- Do not overcook the shrimp; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Simmer gently on low heat to prevent cream from curdling.
- Add cream gradually to adjust sauce thickness to your preference.
- Season the dish at the end to perfectly balance smoky and creamy flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months; add freshly cooked shrimp when serving.
- Reheat gently over low heat, stirring and adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: shrimp, paprikash, creamy shrimp recipe, paprika shrimp, quick dinner, Hungarian cuisine