If you’re searching for the ultimate quick-yet-luxurious skillet dinner, look no further than Creamy Garlic Shrimp. This dish delivers a velvety garlic-infused sauce, juicy seared shrimp, and a gorgeous pop of color from fresh herbs. Ready in under half an hour, it’s perfect for busy nights, date nights, or whenever you crave restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. Creamy Garlic Shrimp is guaranteed to leave everyone at your table reaching for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of everyday ingredients transform into a showstopping meal. Each one is essential, bringing out the best flavors and textures in this Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): The star! Large shrimp become plump and tender, soaking up all that rich sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds fruitiness and helps sear the shrimp for beautiful color and flavor.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Creates a silky, decadent base for the creamy sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Loads the dish with aromatic punch—it’s not Creamy Garlic Shrimp without it!
- Chicken broth or dry white wine (1/2 cup): Lifts the flavor and deglazes the pan for a savory depth.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to rich, luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every shrimp.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty, irresistible flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and amplifies all the savory notes in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and spice.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a subtle kick.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): Gives a vibrant burst of color and freshness right at the end.
- Lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon): Brightens everything up and cuts through the cream for balance.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Sear the Shrimp
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded. Let them sizzle for 1 to 2 minutes per side so they turn pink, opaque, and lightly golden around the edges. This quick sear locks in their juiciness and brings out their natural sweetness. Once done, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set aside—they’ll finish cooking later.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Base
Reduce your heat to medium, then add the butter right into the same skillet. Swirl until melted and foamy, then toss in the minced garlic. Stir and sauté for about a minute, just until the kitchen fills with an irresistible garlicky aroma. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, or it may turn bitter.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Now’s the time to pour in your chicken broth or dry white wine. As the liquid hits the pan, use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any golden bits stuck at the bottom—these add tons of savory flavor. Let the mixture bubble for 2 to 3 minutes as it reduces a bit, intensifying the taste.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk carefully as the cheese melts, letting the sauce thicken and become oh-so-creamy over 3 to 4 minutes. At this point, season with salt, black pepper, and, if you’re feeling bold, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the seared shrimp and all their juices to the pan, stirring gently to coat each piece in that gorgeous creamy garlic sauce. Let everything warm through for another 1 to 2 minutes—your shrimp should be perfectly tender and just cooked. Turn off the heat and finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a generous shower of chopped parsley right before serving. That’s Creamy Garlic Shrimp magic!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over each serving for a fresh, grassy note and a pop of color. If you love cheese, shave a little extra Parmesan on top just before serving. For extra zing, add a wedge of lemon on the side—letting each person squeeze as much brightness as they like on their Creamy Garlic Shrimp.
Side Dishes
This luscious shrimp is begging to be spooned over fluffy white rice, nestle into a bowl of tender pasta, or ladled atop buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of sauce. For a lighter touch, serve with steamed veggies, cauliflower rice, or crisp salad. Whichever base you choose, Creamy Garlic Shrimp will elevate it instantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling Creamy Garlic Shrimp into shallow bowls with crunchy toasted bread for dipping, or tuck them into warm tortillas with a little cabbage slaw for an unexpected twist on seafood tacos. For a dazzling appetizer, pile shrimp on grilled crostini and drizzle with extra sauce—it turns any gathering into a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow Creamy Garlic Shrimp to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors mingle and deepen overnight, making leftovers especially tasty.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze Creamy Garlic Shrimp, be aware that dairy-based sauces may separate when thawed. For best results, freeze shrimp and sauce in a tightly sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and give the sauce a good stir to help it come back together.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid high heat or microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery and the sauce may break. Stir just until warmed through and serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or a little squeeze of lemon.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your skillet, which can steam rather than sear the shrimp.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Creamy Garlic Shrimp is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for anyone avoiding wheat. Just double-check your Parmesan and broth labels if you’re highly sensitive.
Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
You can swap in half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich or thick. Keep the simmer gentle, as lower-fat dairy can sometimes curdle if boiled too rapidly.
What’s the best wine to use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is lovely here—they lend acidity and brightness to balance the creamy sauce. If you don’t have wine on hand, chicken broth works beautifully too.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp cook very quickly! As soon as they turn pink and opaque with slightly curled tails, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp become chewy, so keep a close eye and pull them off the heat as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a little act of love that brings big rewards. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special dinner, each bite is a celebration of rich flavors and velvety textures. Give this recipe a try and let it become your own go-to favorite—the magic really happens when you share it with the people you love.
Print
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Shrimp – a delectable dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests or enjoy a special meal at home.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Garlic Butter Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add broth or wine, simmer, then stir in cream and Parmesan. Cook until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Season the sauce, return shrimp to the skillet, warm through, add lemon juice, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
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