Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pizza

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🍕 Recipe: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pizza

  • Prep time: 20 minutes

  • Cook time: 12–15 minutes

  • Servings: 1 large pizza (8 slices)

Ingredients

The Foundation

  • Pizza Dough: 1 lb (store-bought or homemade)

  • Shrimp: 1/2 lb medium shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)

  • Cheese: 2 cups shredded Mozzarella + 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

The Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

  • 1/4 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for depth)

Toppings & Garnish

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats.

  2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the shrimp and cook for just 1 minute per side until they turn slightly pink (don’t overcook, they’ll finish in the oven!). Set aside.

  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in flour for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat.

  4. Assemble: Roll out your dough on a floured surface or parchment paper. Spread the creamy garlic sauce evenly, leaving a 1-inch border.

  5. Layer: Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan over the sauce. Arrange the par-cooked shrimp on top.

  6. Bake: Transfer to the oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and charred in spots.

  7. Finish: Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes. Squeeze a fresh lemon wedge over the top right before eating.

💡 Tips & Notes

  • Dry Your Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before sautéing. Excess water will make your pizza soggy.

  • The “Half-Cook” Rule: Only cook the shrimp halfway on the stove. If they are fully curled and tight before going into the oven, they will turn rubbery by the time the dough is done.

  • Cornmeal Hack: Sprinkle a little cornmeal on your baking sheet or pizza peel to prevent sticking and add a professional crunch to the bottom.

📊 Nutritional Info & Benefits

Per Slice (based on 8 slices)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 310 kcal
Protein 16g
Total Fat 18g
Carbohydrates 22g
Sodium 480mg

The Benefit: Aside from being delicious, shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and selenium, an antioxidant that supports heart health. Garlic also provides anti-inflammatory properties—though we’re mostly here for the flavor!

👋 Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?

A: Absolutely. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry. Avoid the “pre-cooked” frozen shrimp if possible, as they tend to get very tough when baked.

Q: I don’t have heavy cream. What can I use?

A: You can use a thick Alfredo sauce from a jar as a shortcut, or make a white sauce using whole milk and a bit more flour to thicken it up.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Keep slices in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F to keep the crust crispy; the microwave will make the dough chewy.

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