Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Shrimp lovers, get ready to indulge in a dish that is not only irresistibly delicious but also incredibly easy to make! This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. Bursting with the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and a luscious cream sauce, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for a quick meal that feels fancy or a dish that impresses guests, this creamy garlic shrimp recipe checks all the boxes. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from ingredient selection to expert tips, serving suggestions, and variations. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15-20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples and fresh shrimp for a simple yet indulgent meal.
- Versatile – Serve it over pasta, rice, or crusty bread for different meal options.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – The creamy garlic sauce takes this dish to the next level!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color and slight heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth (or wine), scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Combine & Serve
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Use Fresh Shrimp – Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp make all the difference in taste.
- Don’t Overcook – Shrimp cook quickly! Overcooking makes them rubbery.
- Balance the Sauce – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth. If too thin, let it simmer longer.
- Enhance the Flavor – A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds brightness to the dish.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Mushroom Twist – Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic.
- Extra Cheesy – Mix in more Parmesan or a touch of mozzarella.
- Dairy-Free – Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a different, yet delicious flavor.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Pasta – Toss with fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine for a complete meal.
- Rice – Serve over white, brown, or cauliflower rice.
- Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables – A healthy side option to balance the richness.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Warm gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing – Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients to create a dish that feels luxurious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this creamy, garlicky delight is bound to be a hit.
Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
A quick and easy restaurant-quality dish featuring juicy shrimp in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is packed with flavor and ready in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb 450g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika optional, for color and slight heat
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup 120ml chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- 1 cup 240ml heavy cream
- 1/2 cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of spice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth (or wine), scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine & Serve
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Fresh Shrimp – Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp make all the difference in taste.
- Don’t Overcook – Shrimp cook quickly! Overcooking makes them rubbery.
- Balance the Sauce – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth. If too thin, let it simmer longer.
- Enhance the Flavor – A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds brightness to the dish.