This creamy garlic shrimp with sun-dried tomatoes and basil is an elegant yet easy-to-make dish that combines the richness of garlic and cream with the brightness of fresh basil and the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The creamy sauce envelops the shrimp, adding layers of flavor, while the sun-dried tomatoes provide a delightful burst of sweetness. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. Pair it with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
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Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir in fresh basil and lemon juice.
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Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil: A Delightful Dish for Any Occasion
Shrimp is one of the most versatile and popular seafood options that offers a delicate, sweet flavor and a satisfying texture. When combined with a creamy, garlicky sauce and accented by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, this dish transforms into an indulgent, yet simple meal that is perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or even just a comforting weeknight treat. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking to try something new, creamy garlic shrimp with sun-dried tomatoes and basil is sure to satisfy.
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
This recipe brings together a harmonious blend of ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The shrimp itself serves as a succulent base, offering a slight sweetness and a tender texture when cooked properly. The garlic in the sauce adds a robust, aromatic depth of flavor, creating a savory foundation. Meanwhile, the sun-dried tomatoes contribute a tangy, slightly sweet bite that provides an additional layer of complexity to the dish.
Basil is another key ingredient that elevates this dish. The fresh, aromatic leaves provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the creamy sauce. Together, these ingredients create a balance of flavors that is not only delicious but also visually appealing when plated.
A Quick and Easy Recipe with Impressive Results
One of the greatest aspects of this dish is how simple and quick it is to prepare. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a gourmet-quality meal that feels luxurious but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Whether you are a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this creamy garlic shrimp with sun-dried tomatoes and basil comes together effortlessly.
The shrimp is quickly sautéed in olive oil until golden and succulent, and then it’s combined with a luscious, creamy sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. The addition of lemon juice and fresh basil at the end ensures the dish is bright, fresh, and balanced. The result is a dish that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.
Versatility for Any Meal
While this dish shines on its own, it is also highly versatile and can be paired with a wide range of sides. Serve it over pasta for a rich and filling meal, or pair it with a light salad and crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a simple vegetable medley for a lighter option.
For a more rustic presentation, you could spoon the creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes or rice to add a comforting, starchy base that soaks up all the delicious sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability—no matter what you pair it with, the shrimp, garlic, and creamy sauce will always shine.
Why Shrimp Makes the Perfect Protein Choice
Shrimp is a great choice of protein for several reasons. It cooks quickly, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. Additionally, shrimp is naturally low in fat but high in protein, providing a healthy option for those looking to add more seafood to their diet. It’s also packed with essential nutrients like iodine, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins, making it a nourishing choice for a well-rounded meal.
Moreover, shrimp is incredibly versatile. It can be used in a variety of cuisines—from Mediterranean to Asian to Southern American—and pairs well with a wide range of flavors. In this creamy garlic shrimp recipe, the seafood pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream and cheese, creating a decadent yet balanced dish that everyone will enjoy.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A Unique Flavor Profile
Sun-dried tomatoes bring a unique burst of flavor to this dish, offering a tangy-sweet taste that perfectly complements the creamy base. These tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. Their concentrated flavor makes them a perfect ingredient for adding depth to sauces, pastas, and salads.
In this dish, sun-dried tomatoes create a lovely contrast to the creaminess of the sauce, offering a slightly chewy texture and a zesty punch of flavor. The tomatoes also add a pop of color to the dish, making it visually appealing and inviting.
Fresh Basil: An Herb That Brightens the Dish
Fresh basil is the perfect herb to finish off this creamy garlic shrimp dish. Known for its fragrant, slightly sweet, and peppery flavor, basil enhances the overall taste by adding brightness and balance. It cuts through the richness of the cream, offering a refreshing contrast that helps elevate the entire dish.
Basil is not only flavorful but also packed with health benefits. It contains antioxidants, essential oils, and vitamins like vitamin K, which supports bone health, and vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight. In this recipe, fresh basil is added at the end to preserve its flavor and aroma, making it an essential component for a well-rounded, fresh-tasting dish.
Customizing the Dish to Suit Your Preferences
One of the great aspects of this creamy garlic shrimp recipe is how customizable it is. If you prefer a bit of spice, you can easily incorporate red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper to add some heat. For a slightly different twist, try substituting the Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
If you’re looking for a lighter version of the dish, you could use half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a less rich but still creamy sauce. For those who are avoiding dairy, consider using plant-based cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to keep the dish vegan-friendly.
For a more filling meal, you could add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or even mushrooms to the sauce. These vegetables would blend perfectly with the shrimp and creamy sauce, adding extra texture and flavor without overpowering the main ingredients.
Perfect for Special Occasions
This creamy garlic shrimp with sun-dried tomatoes and basil is not only a great option for casual dinners but also a perfect dish for special occasions. The vibrant colors and rich flavors make it an impressive choice for dinner parties, holiday meals, or date nights. The dish can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd, and the leftovers are just as tasty when reheated.
You can serve this dish alongside a glass of white wine, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay, both of which complement the creamy sauce and shrimp perfectly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creamy garlic shrimp with sun-dried tomatoes and basil is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of shrimp, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil in a creamy sauce offers a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors that work together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a quiet meal at home, or simply craving something indulgent yet simple, this dish delivers every time. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and luxurious taste make it a must-try for any seafood lover.