Shrimp In Cream Cheese Sauce

Serves: 5 Cuisine: American

Creamy shrimp in a rich cream cheese sauce with water chestnuts, perfect for a quick, flavorful dish that pairs well with rice or toast for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (10 3/4 oz.) cans condensed shrimp soup
  • 2 (3 oz.) packages cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 to 1 1/2 pounds cooked shrimp
  • 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the cream cheese with the undiluted condensed shrimp soup, stirring frequently until smooth and melted.
  2. Stir in chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, garlic salt, and drained sliced water chestnuts.
  3. Add cooked shrimp and cook slowly until heated through.
  4. Serve with rice or toast points.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using a full-fat cream cheese or a flavored variety. If you want to lighten the dish, low-fat cream cheese works well too. You can substitute fresh shrimp for cooked shrimp if you prefer, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Adding a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavor profile. This dish is similar to a Quick Crab Casserole in flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this shrimp dish over a bed of fluffy rice or with crispy toast points for dipping. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread for a comforting seafood feast. Don't forget to check out other seafood recipes for more delicious options.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring to ensure even warming without curdling the cream cheese. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Shrimp In Cream Cheese Sauce contains roughly 220 calories, with 14g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (126% of the Daily Value), iron (114% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

220 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.8g 28% DV
Total Fat 8.6g 11% DV
Carbs 37.4g 14% DV
Fiber 22.5g 80% DV
Sugar 5.2g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 395.4mg 17% DV
Potassium 2351.7mg 50% DV
Cholesterol 5.7mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1130.9mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 30.2mg 34% DV
Calcium 147.7mg 11% DV
Iron 20.6mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?

Yes, you can use fresh shrimp, but you will need to cook them first. Sauté the shrimp in a separate pan until they are pink and opaque, then add them to the cream cheese sauce to heat through.

What can I substitute for water chestnuts?

If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use diced celery or jicama for a similar crunch. While the flavor will differ slightly, you'll still achieve a delightful texture in the dish.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream cheese sauce while cooking. This will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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