Craving a restaurant-quality meal that you can whip up in just 15 minutes? Look no further than Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp! This dish is the ultimate combination of indulgence and simplicity, offering tender shrimp coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a cozy meal, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.
What’s more, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, crusty bread, or even a simple side of roasted veggies. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible dish that’s guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for those hectic days when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh shrimp, you can create a dish that tastes gourmet.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, zoodles, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy garlic sauce is a universal favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for convenience.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the shrimp to perfection.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a smoky depth of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper: To season the shrimp.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: The base of the rich sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star ingredient for that irresistible aroma and flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): For a luscious, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine): Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for added creaminess and flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to elevate the dish.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick of heat.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Adjust as needed for seasoning.
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp while adding a hint of smokiness.
2. Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them! Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits add flavor!). Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the chicken broth (or white wine) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Add Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Combine & Serve
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy garlic sauce until fully coated. Let them simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
6. Garnish & Enjoy!
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite side—pasta, rice, or crusty bread are all excellent choices!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp work best for this recipe. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly—about 2-3 minutes per side is all they need! Overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Make it Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option.
FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking by running them under cold water or leaving them in the fridge overnight. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
Yes! Half-and-half is a lighter alternative that works well in this recipe. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream, but note that it will alter the flavor slightly.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add freshly cooked shrimp before serving.
What Can I Serve With Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta (like fettuccine or linguine), steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp or separating the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. With its velvety sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and bold garlic flavor, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this quick and easy recipe will always deliver big on flavor with minimal effort.
So grab your skillet and get ready to wow your taste buds—this creamy garlic shrimp is waiting!
PrintEasy Creamy Garlic Shrimp
This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is a 15-minute meal that combines tender shrimp in a velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need a quick, restaurant-quality dish to impress your guests.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for added depth)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Season the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Add Cream and Parmesan:
Pour in heavy cream and stir well. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
5. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to heat through.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Notes
- To keep shrimp tender, avoid overcooking—2–3 minutes per side is perfect.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Add extras like mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 840 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
