Creamy Chipotle Shrimp
Creamy Chipotle Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender shrimp simmered in a smoky chipotle-infused cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this vibrant recipe blends spicy heat with rich creaminess, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Serve it with rice, pasta, or tacos for a versatile and nutrient-rich meal bursting with bold flavors.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Seafood
- 1 pound fresh peeled and deveined shrimp
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly season with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.
- Sauté Garlic and Chipotle Peppers: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque but remain tender.
- Add Heavy Cream and Lime Juice: Pour in the heavy cream and fresh lime juice. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp.
- Finish with Cilantro and Season: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the dish, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and give everything a final stir before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and faster cooking.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture; cook until fully pink and opaque.
- If the sauce is too spicy, add more cream to balance the heat while maintaining flavor.
- Add lime juice at the end to preserve its fresh acidity.
- If chipotle peppers are unavailable, substitute with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: shrimp, chipotle, creamy shrimp recipe, quick dinner, seafood, spicy shrimp, Mexican flavor, weeknight meal