Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) Recipe

If there’s one crowd-pleasing dinner that makes you feel like a restaurant chef—without actually breaking a sweat—it’s Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins). This recipe is the ultimate fast fix for a fancy-feeling meal: succulent, tender shrimp are blanketed in a rich, silky garlic cream sauce, ready in the blink of an eye. Whether you’ve got impromptu dinner guests or just want to treat yourself on a weeknight, this dish delivers both decadence and comfort in every bite. And the best part? It all comes together so quickly, you’ll barely believe it—until the very last morsel disappears from your plate.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients can create something so full of flavor. Each one has a role to play, contributing to the luscious sauce, the sweet snap of shrimp, and the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) absolutely unforgettable.

• Shrimp (large, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work beautifully for quick cooking and maximum juiciness.
• Butter: Delivers a rich base for sautéing and lends creaminess to the final dish.
• Olive oil: Combined with butter, it balances flavor and helps prevent the butter from burning.
• Garlic (finely minced): The true star—adds a punchy, aromatic flavor that infuses the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every shrimp.
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds saltiness and depth, thickening the sauce to just the right consistency.
• Salt and black pepper: A simple seasoning duo that enhances all the other flavors.
• Fresh parsley (chopped): For a pop of color and fresh herbal lift when serving.
• Lemon wedges: Just a squeeze at the end brightens and balances the creamy richness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins)

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

If your shrimp aren’t already ready to go, give them a quick rinse and pat them dry with paper towels for maximum searing. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. Getting this bit right means your Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) will be flavorful all the way through.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As soon as it starts to shimmer, add the shrimp in a single layer. You want to hear that satisfying sizzle! Let them cook undisturbed for about one minute per side until they just turn pink and slightly golden. Remove them to a plate to avoid overcooking—shrimp cook fast!

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same pan, add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, letting it bloom and scent your whole kitchen. Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any flavorful shrimp bits clinging to the skillet. Lower the heat and let the cream simmer gently, then add parmesan and stir until melted and gorgeously creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the sautéed shrimp (and any juices that collected on the plate) to the sauce. Stir to coat every piece thoroughly. Let them warm through for another minute until everything is bubbling gently and creamy. Your Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) is now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins)

Garnishes

This recipe truly shines with a few thoughtful finishes. Sprinkle lots of fresh chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant pop of green. Just before serving, a light squeeze of lemon brightens the rich sauce and highlights the garlic. If you’re a fan of a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes never hurts!

Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) pairs effortlessly with so many sides. Spoon it over a bed of fluffy white rice, twirl it through al dente pasta, or mop up the sauce with crusty sourdough bread. For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed or roasted veggies, or even over a tangle of zucchini noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

Dazzle your guests by serving Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) as elegant appetizers atop crostini, or nestled into mini lettuce cups for a fresh twist. For a date night, pile the shrimp onto creamy polenta or serve family-style in a shallow platter so everyone can dig in and scoop up that luscious sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) tastes just as indulgent the next day! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, spoon the shrimp and plenty of sauce into the container to keep everything moist.

Freezing

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Just know that cream sauces sometimes separate or change texture after thawing. Freeze in a tight-sealing container for up to one month. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins), warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Stir often and add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed—this helps prevent the shrimp from overcooking and keeps the sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water before cooking. Make sure to pat them dry for the best sear and flavor development.

Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?

You can, though the sauce will be a bit lighter and thinner. For the truly luscious texture that makes Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) shine, heavy cream is highly recommended.

What if I don’t have fresh parmesan?

Freshly grated parmesan melts best and adds superior flavor, but you can use pre-grated in a pinch. Avoid the powdery shaker-style, as it might make the sauce grainy.

How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp only need one to two minutes per side in a hot pan. As soon as they’re just opaque and curled, remove them—they’ll finish gently in the sauce later.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Of course! Baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms make wonderful additions. Add them right after the garlic and before the cream for best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that wows with teeny effort and big payoff, Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) is about to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you make it for family, friends, or just to spoil yourself, I guarantee you’ll come back to this recipe again and again. Go ahead—give it a try, and don’t forget to enjoy every last drop of that dreamy sauce!

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