Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your home cooking game! This Shrimp and Cream Cheese recipe is not just another seafood dish—it's a creamy, luxurious experience that combines succulent shrimp with rich, velvety cream cheese in a way that will make your dinner guests think you've trained in a professional kitchen. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Cream cheese
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better searing and prevents steaming.
- In a medium bowl, soften the cream cheese at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make it easier to mix and spread.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Add minced garlic to the hot pan and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and become slightly curled, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring gently to create a creamy sauce.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp to brighten the flavors and help break down the cream cheese.
- Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and coats the shrimp evenly.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for added color and fresh herb flavor.
- Serve immediately, preferably over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Always pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear and prevent soggy results.
- Temperature Matters: Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking to ensure smooth, even melting.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook shrimp in a single layer to guarantee even cooking and that beautiful golden-pink color.
- Watch Your Garlic: Sauté garlic quickly and carefully—burnt garlic can make your entire dish taste bitter.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten the flavors and add a pop of freshness.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of that incredible creamy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 160mg
