One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb)

One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a delightful dish that seamlessly marries flavor with convenience. This recipe provides not only a quick meal solution but also a burst of rich and satisfying tastes that can transform your dinner table. Whether you’re following a paleo diet, Whole30 plan, or simply trying to maintain a low-carb lifestyle, this dish fits right in, making it an impressive option for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love It

There are countless reasons to adore One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp. First and foremost, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a satisfying main course or pair it with fresh, crisp vegetables or cauliflower rice, enhancing your meal experience while still keeping it compliant with your dietary preferences. The combination of tender shrimp enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce, kissed with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, creates an irresistible flavor profile that leaves your taste buds dancing.

Emotionally, this dish brings comfort to the table. Imagine preparing this heavenly meal on a busy weeknight, the tantalizing aroma of garlic and shrimp wafting through your kitchen, instantly making your home feel warm and inviting. Cooking doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming, and with One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp, you get to whip up a gourmet meal in just one pan. Clean-up is a breeze, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time worrying about the dishes piled in the sink.

This dish is not only quick and easy but also packed with nutrients. Shrimp is a lean protein packed with essential vitamins and minerals, while the addition of spinach contributes a wealth of antioxidants and fiber. Plus, using coconut milk in the sauce provides healthy fats that promote satiety. This means even if you’re adhering to a specific dietary plan, you can still indulge in something delicious and nutritious without feeling sluggish afterward.

Finally, One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a romantic dinner, or simply craving comfort food after a long day, this recipe hits the mark every time. Every bite is a little reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or bland; it can be vibrant, flavorful, and downright enjoyable.

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons ghee (or butter or olive oil)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced onion
1 cup shrimp or chicken broth
1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar
4-6 sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste

For this delicious One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe, start with one pound of succulent shrimp, which should be peeled and deveined for easy preparation. To cook it all to perfection, you’ll want two tablespoons of a healthy fat like ghee, butter, or olive oil as your cooking base. The flavor begins with four cloves of minced garlic and one cup of diced onion, providing a base that is rich and aromatic. Next, using one cup of shrimp or chicken broth will help build flavors and add depth to the dish; this is also the time to grab that tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar—this will enhance your dish’s savory notes!

Don’t forget about the sun-dried tomatoes themselves! About four to six of these flavorful gems, when julienned, will enhance the dish significantly. One cup of coconut milk will give you that creamy texture and rich flavor while ensuring the meal remains compliant with your dietary needs. Adding a quarter cup of nutritional yeast will provide a cheesy flavor without any dairy. Finally, you will need a couple of cups of fresh spinach to introduce nutrients and a hint of greenery to your enchanting dish. Season with salt and pepper to tailor the flavor to your liking, making it not just a meal but a memorable dining experience.

How to Make One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Step 1

To begin making One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp, first take a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of ghee, olive oil, or butter to the pan. Allow the fat to melt, providing a rich base for the ingredients to come. Once melted, add the minced garlic and let it sauté for about one minute. It’s essential to stir frequently during this step to prevent the garlic from burning and turning bitter. Instead, you want it to become aromatic and golden, setting the flavor profile for the entire dish.

Step 2

After the garlic has given off its delightful aroma, it’s time to introduce the star of the show: the shrimp. Before adding them to the pan, ensure they are patted dry to achieve that beautiful sear. Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about two minutes on each side until they are just opaque. When they are cooked, carefully remove them from the pan and transfer them to a bowl, allowing them to rest while you build the sauce.

Step 3

Next, raise the heat to medium-high and add the diced onion to the pan. Sauté the onions for about two to three minutes until they turn soft and translucent. This gentle cooking will help to extract and develop the natural sweetness of the onions. Once they are ready, pour in the shrimp or chicken broth, taking care to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This process will not only incorporate those flavorful morsels but will also allow the broth to reduce by at least 50%, intensifying the flavors.

Step 4

Continuing with the process, now is the time to add the flavorful oil from the sun-dried tomatoes and the julienned tomatoes themselves. Stir them in and let them sauté with the onions for another two to three minutes until everything is fragrant and well combined. Then, pour in the one cup of coconut milk and add in the nutritional yeast. Once the coconut milk reaches a vigorous boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Gently fold in the fresh spinach, stirring occasionally until it slightly wilts, which should take about two minutes. Finally, return the cooked shrimp back to the pan and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any additional seasoning you prefer. Stir everything together frequently for an additional five to seven minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully before serving over cauliflower rice or on its own.

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt ghee, butter, or oil and sauté the minced garlic for about one minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once the garlic is fragrant, add the shrimp to the pan after patting them dry. Cook the shrimp for approximately two minutes on each side until they turn opaque. After that, transfer the shrimp to a separate bowl and increase the heat to medium-high. Next, add the diced onion to the pan and cook it for two to three minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Pour in the shrimp or chicken broth next, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan while stirring frequently, allowing the broth to reduce by at least 50%.

Now it’s time to make it even more flavorful! Add the tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar along with the drained, julienned sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing with the onions for an additional two to three minutes until everything is fragrant and combined. Then, pour in the coconut milk and sprinkle in the nutritional yeast. Once the coconut milk is at a boil, lower the heat to medium-low and introduce the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring until it wilts slightly—this should take around two minutes. Finally, return the shrimp to the skillet and season everything well with salt and pepper. Stir frequdently for another five to seven minutes, allowing the flavors to meld, and serve with cauliflower rice for a delightful low-carb meal.

One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb)

Helpful Notes

When preparing One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp, a few tips can elevate your dish to new heights. First, using high-quality shrimp will make a significant difference in flavor and texture. Look for wild-caught shrimp whenever possible; it’s often fresher and tastier than farmed varieties. Furthermore, ensure that your coconut milk is well-stirred before adding it to the pan; sometimes, the cream and water can separate in the can.

If you want to spice things up a bit, consider adding red pepper flakes for some heat or including other herbs like fresh basil or parsley for added depth. You can also swap out the spinach for other leafy greens like kale or arugula, depending on your taste preferences.

For those who enjoy a bit of a tangy kick, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the dish and balance the creaminess with a refreshing zest.

Additionally, for meal prep enthusiasts, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just be sure to reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Proper storage and reheating methods can significantly extend the shelf life of your One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp while maintaining its flavor and texture. After cooking, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store the shrimp in the refrigerator for up to three days.

If you want to store it for more extended periods, consider freezing it. This dish freezes well; just ensure it is in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or coconut milk to help bring back the creaminess and enhance the flavors.

When reheating, make sure not to cook it too long; you want the shrimp to retain their tenderness and avoid becoming rubbery. Stir occasionally until everything is warmed through, and enjoy a delicious meal all over again!

FAQs

How can I make One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free since we use coconut milk as a substitute for heavy cream. The nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without any dairy.

Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Yes, absolutely! Fresh shrimp will provide a slightly better flavor and texture, but just be cautious to avoid overcooking them.

What type of shrimp should I buy?

Look for sizeable shrimp or prawns, preferably wild-caught. They are generally more flavorful and healthier compared to farmed shrimp.

Can I make One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

What is the best way to serve this dish?

One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp pairs excellently with cauliflower rice, zoodles (zucchini noodles), or even a fresh side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Certainly! Feel free to incorporate other veggies like bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.

Is it necessary to use nutritional yeast?

While nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, you can omit it if you’re not a fan. The dish will still be delicious!

Conclusion

In closing, One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a fantastic dish that delivers effortless flavor and satisfies those following paleo, Whole30, or low-carb diets. It’s incredibly versatile, nutritionally solid, and perfect for any occasion. The simplicity of preparation, combined with the delightful taste, makes it a go-to meal in any household. You’ll add this dish to your regular rotation, bringing warmth and comfort back to your dining experience. So the next time you’re in need of a quick, satisfying meal, remember this recipe! Enjoy the taste of healthy, delicious food with One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp—happy cooking!