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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 lb. jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• 1 + ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ cup white cheddar cheese, shredded (or grated Parmesan cheese)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the Oil
   Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Wait for about 2 minutes until the oil ripples and shimmers, signaling it's ready for action. A good rule of thumb is to ensure your oil is sizzling hot before adding anything else; this helps achieve that perfect sear.

2. Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
   Gently lay the jumbo shrimp into the hot skillet, avoiding overcrowding to ensure each piece has plenty of room to cook evenly. Sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a delightful pink hue and are cooked all the way through. Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, season them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Transfer them to a plate and set aside for the moment.

3. Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
   In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute, just until it's fragrant and releases its lovely aroma. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can add an unpleasant bitterness to the dish.

4. Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
   Pour in the white wine and give everything a good stir. This will loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet from cooking the shrimp. Allow the wine to cook for about a minute, infusing the base with its rich aroma and flavor.

5. Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
   Slowly add the heavy cream to the skillet, followed by the Italian seasoning and shredded white cheddar cheese. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and the cheese to melt smoothly into the sauce.

6. Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
   Lower the heat to medium and continue stirring the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency. You’re aiming for a silky, luscious texture that coats the back of a spoon nicely without being too runny or gloopy.

7. Step 7: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
   Return the seared shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently in the creamy garlic sauce. Ensure each shrimp is well coated, absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce. This step should only take a couple of minutes, just long enough to heat the shrimp through again.

8. Step 8: Garnish and Serve
   Sprinkle the finely chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your creamy garlic shrimp immediately alongside your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and enjoy the symphony of flavors with each bite.

Notes

Mistakes can happen, even in the most straightforward recipes! One common misstep is overcooking the shrimp. They’re delicate little morsels and can turn rubbery if left on the heat too long. Keep a close eye and pull them off once they’re pink and opaque.

Another pitfall is letting the sauce get too thick. Stir continuously and monitor that simmer to keep it from reducing beyond your preference. If it does thicken too much, simply add a splash of cream to loosen things up.

Lastly, don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s the heart of the dish, so make sure it’s fresh and fragrant for a tasty, aromatic sauce.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp, Creamy Shrimp Dish, Shrimp in Garlic Sauce, Creamy Shrimp Recipe, Garlic Shrimp Pasta