Fiery Delight: Spicy Shrimp in Cream Sauce Recipe

Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with an explosion of flavor? This Spicy Shrimp in Cream Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining the succulent sweetness of shrimp with a fiery kick and a luxuriously creamy sauce. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavor Bomb:** The combination of spicy, creamy, and savory notes is simply irresistible.
* **Quick & Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** Serve it over pasta, rice, or even crusty bread for dipping.
* **Impressive:** Looks and tastes gourmet, perfect for impressing guests.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the spice level to your preference.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients. This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Adjust quantities accordingly if you’re cooking for a larger or smaller group.

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp work well. Look for shrimp labeled 26/30 or 31/40, which indicates the number of shrimp per pound. These sizes are perfect for this dish.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Garlic is essential for building a flavorful base.
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped. Yellow onions provide a good balance of sweetness and savory notes.
* **Red Bell Pepper:** 1/2 medium red bell pepper, diced. Red bell pepper adds sweetness and visual appeal.
* **Jalapeño Pepper:** 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat). Remember to wear gloves when handling jalapeños, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup. Heavy cream is the key to a rich and decadent sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup. Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons. Tomato paste provides richness and acidity to balance the creaminess.
* **Paprika:** 1 teaspoon. Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor, while sweet paprika provides a milder, sweeter note. Feel free to experiment with different types of paprika.
* **Cayenne Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste). Cayenne pepper is the main source of heat in this dish. Adjust the quantity to your desired spice level.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1/2 teaspoon. Oregano adds an earthy, herbaceous flavor.
* **Salt:** To taste.
* **Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish).
* **Lemon Wedges:** For serving (optional).
* **Pasta/Rice/Bread:** For serving (optional).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!

**Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp**

* If using frozen shrimp, ensure it’s completely thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them brown properly in the pan.
* Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and minced jalapeño (if using) to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 3: Build the Sauce**

* Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
* Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 4: Cook the Shrimp**

* Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery.

**Step 5: Finish and Serve**

* Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
* Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
* Serve the spicy shrimp in cream sauce immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.
* Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Control the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper and jalapeño pepper. For a milder flavor, omit the jalapeño altogether and reduce the cayenne pepper to a pinch.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Use Different Seafood:** You can substitute the shrimp with other seafood, such as scallops or lobster.
* **Make it Lighter:** Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to help thicken the sauce if needed.
* **Add Cheese:** A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese adds a salty, umami flavor to the dish.
* **Spice it Up Further:** Add a dash of hot sauce, such as Tabasco or Sriracha, for an extra kick.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
* **Wine Pairing:** A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with this dish.

## Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Shrimp in Cream Sauce is delicious served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Pasta:** Toss the shrimp and sauce with your favorite pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne.
* **Over Rice:** Serve over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve as an appetizer with crostini or crackers.
* **In Tacos or Burritos:** Use the shrimp and sauce as a filling for tacos or burritos.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover spicy shrimp in cream sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling the sauce, as this can cause it to separate. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to heat it in short intervals and stir in between to prevent splattering.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing and the shrimp texture may degrade.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

This Spicy Shrimp in Cream Sauce is a versatile and flavorful dish that is sure to become a new favorite. With its easy preparation and customizable spice level, it’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to enjoy a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Bon appétit!