Introduction: Embark on a culinary journey with our One-Pot Creamy Garlic Shrimp—a symphony of flavors that harmoniously combines succulent shrimp with a luscious creamy garlic sauce. This recipe not only promises a delectable dining experience but also ensures a hassle-free cooking adventure with the convenience of using just one pot. Join us as we delve into the art of crafting this exquisite dish, providing meticulous details, precise measurements, and invaluable nutritional insights, including SmartPoints for Weight Watchers.

Ingredients:

For the Creamy Garlic Shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach leaves
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Shrimp Brilliance:
    • Begin by ensuring the shrimp are peeled and deveined, ready to take center stage in our culinary creation. The succulence of large shrimp will be the cornerstone of this delightful dish.
  2. Garlic Aromatics:
    • In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to infuse into the oil, setting the stage for a garlicky symphony.
  3. Tomato Tango:
    • Introduce the cherry tomatoes to the pan, their vibrant hues adding a burst of freshness to the dish. Halve the tomatoes and let them mingle with the garlic, creating a colorful tango of flavors.
  4. Spinach Elegance:
    • Gradually incorporate the spinach leaves into the pot, allowing them to wilt gently. This addition not only contributes a touch of elegance but also introduces a wealth of nutrients to the creamy ensemble.
  5. Creamy Embrace:
    • Pour in the heavy cream, enveloping the ingredients in a rich and creamy embrace. The creaminess will serve as the foundation for the luscious sauce that will coat the shrimp and vegetables.
  6. Broth Bouquet:
    • Enhance the flavor profile by adding 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the pot. The broth will add depth and complexity to the sauce, creating a harmonious balance with the other ingredients.
  7. Parmesan Enchantment:
    • Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently to ensure a velvety smoothness. The Parmesan will melt into the sauce, infusing it with a savory and slightly nutty undertone.
  8. Spice Allegro (Optional):
    • For those seeking a hint of heat, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the pot, introducing a subtle spice allegro to the dish. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of heat.
  9. Shrimp Serenade:
    • Carefully add the prepared shrimp to the pot, arranging them evenly in the creamy sauce. Allow the shrimp to serenade in the luscious concoction, absorbing the flavors and becoming perfectly cooked.
  10. Seasoning Sonata:
    • Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste, orchestrating a seasoning sonata that elevates the overall flavor profile. Tasting and adjusting at this stage ensures a perfectly balanced dish.
  11. Simmering Crescendo:
    • Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the flavors to crescendo and the shrimp to reach optimal tenderness. Be mindful not to overcook, as we want each bite to be a succulent delight.
  12. Garnish Grandeur:
    • As a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish, adding a touch of garnish grandeur. The vibrant green parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes a hint of freshness.
  13. Plating Prowess:
    • Plate the One-Pot Creamy Garlic Shrimp with finesse, ensuring each serving is a visual delight. The contrast of colors and textures will captivate diners before they even take the first bite.
  14. SmartPoints Revelation:
    • Unveil the SmartPoints revelation, proudly declaring the point value for this dish. The use of wholesome ingredients and careful portioning makes it a smart and satisfying choice for Weight Watchers.
  15. Nutritional Brilliance:
    • Illuminate the nutritional brilliance of this recipe, emphasizing the high protein content of shrimp, the richness of Parmesan, and the inclusion of fresh vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
  16. Accompaniment Notes:
    • Provide suggestions for accompaniments such as a bed of cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or whole-grain pasta to complement the creamy garlic shrimp.
  17. Wine Pairing Harmony:
    • Share insights on wine pairing for those looking to elevate the dining experience. A light and crisp white wine can harmonize beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.
  18. Leftover Luxe:
    • Luxuriate in leftover luxe by mentioning that this dish reheats well, making it a delightful option for subsequent meals. The flavors often meld and intensify, enhancing the dining experience.
  19. Culinary Creativity:
    • Encourage culinary creativity by prompting your audience to experiment with additional herbs or a squeeze of lemon to tailor the dish to their preferences.
  20. Culinary Conclusion:
    • Conclude the culinary journey by expressing the sheer pleasure of savoring this One-Pot Creamy Garlic Shrimp. The balance of creamy, garlicky goodness with succulent shrimp promises a culinary experience that lingers in the memory.

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 lb. raw jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed- thaw if needed 
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp light butter
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 Tbsp reduced sodium chicken broth 
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond or skim milk- I like to use Fairlife fat free milk since it contains more protein than regular skim or unsweetened almond milk.
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch 
  • 2 Tbsp non fat plain Greek yogurt, strained or blended up cottage cheese.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 
  • 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped. This is optional for garnish.

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl combine unsweetened almond milk and cornstarch. Whisk until cornstarch dissolves. Whisk in the strained Greek yogurt until smooth. Set aside. 
  2. Heat oil in a large deep skillet over medium high heat for 2 minutes and is hot. 
  3. Add raw shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked through.  Note: You don’t want to overcook the shrimp.
    Shrimp takes just a few minutes to cook, so keep a close eye on them and remove them as soon as they are no longer translucent.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Set shrimp aside on a plate.
  5. Add light butter and garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant. 
  6. Add chicken broth, milk/cornstarch mixture, and Italian seasoning. Whisk and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low-medium and keep stirring until thickened to a desired consistency.
  7. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  8. Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss shrimp in sauce until well combined. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
  9. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Notes

Smartpoints: GREEN: 4 Smartpoints per serving BLUE/PURPLE: 3 smartpoints per serving