If you’re searching for the perfect quick dinner that feels seriously fancy (but couldn’t be easier), you have to try Creamy Garlic Shrimp. Imagine juicy shrimp swimming in a dreamy garlic parmesan cream sauce, with just enough zing from fresh lemon and a hint of Italian seasoning. It’s rich, garlicky, and begging for a crusty piece of bread to sop every last drop. This restaurant-worthy dish comes together in just 15 minutes, and whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or as a stand-alone showstopper, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Garlic Shrimp is in its simple ingredient list. Every component pulls its weight to create a sauce that’s savory, silky, and completely luscious—without requiring any complex prep work. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Shrimp (1 lb large, peeled and deveined): The star of the show! Large shrimp offer a sweet, firm bite and cook lightning-fast.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Kicks off the cooking and adds a subtle fruitiness to the shrimp.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Bold, aromatic, and totally essential for that signature flavor.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): The secret to a velvety, rich sauce that clings to every shrimp.
- Chicken Broth (1/4 cup): Adds depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Melts into the sauce for savory, umami-packed flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend that delivers classic Mediterranean notes.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a little heat! Add more or less to taste.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that balance and enhance every flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): A burst of color and freshness at the finish line.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens and sharpens the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Finishes the sauce with glossy richness and extra depth.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—give it a moment to shimmer. Add the shrimp in a single layer (don’t crowd them!) and sprinkle on a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and just cooked through. You want them succulent, not overdone. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set aside; you’ll add them back to the party soon.
Step 2: Bloom That Garlic
In the very same skillet, drop in the butter and the minced garlic. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the garlic transitions from raw to golden and deeply fragrant—don’t let it brown too much or it’ll turn bitter. This step builds your flavor foundation for that irresistible Creamy Garlic Shrimp sauce.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the Italian seasoning and, if you love a little spice, toss in those red pepper flakes. Stir well. Let the sauce bubble gently for 2–3 minutes, just until it begins to thicken and all the cheese is melted into a silken, garlicky dream.
Step 4: Marry Shrimp and Sauce
Slide the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, tossing to coat them generously in the sauce. Lower the heat and let them simmer together for another 2–3 minutes. This not only reheats the shrimp, but gives time for the flavors to get to know each other—resulting in the most luxurious Creamy Garlic Shrimp you can imagine.
Step 5: Add Freshness and Finish
Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon juice. Taste and adjust with a little more salt or pepper if you need it. The parsley brings a touch of brightness, while the lemon juice makes everything pop. Now your Creamy Garlic Shrimp is ready for its grand debut!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
Keep things lively by showering your Creamy Garlic Shrimp with extra chopped parsley and a grating of fresh Parmesan right before serving. A wedge of lemon on the side offers guests a chance to dial up the brightness. For a special touch, a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a light twist of black pepper finishes the look beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is brilliant with so many sides! Toss it with fettuccine for the ultimate shrimp pasta, or spoon it over steamy rice to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. If you prefer low-carb, try it with sautéed zucchini noodles or creamy mashed cauliflower. And don’t forget the crusty bread—you’ll want it for every bit of that creamy garlic sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp in individual ramekins as an appetizer, or pile it atop polenta for a modern twist. For a fun dinner party, offer it family-style in a big skillet with plenty of spoons and bread for dipping. You can even spoon it over baked potatoes or crisp toast points as a decadent small plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Creamy Garlic Shrimp cool completely before storing. Transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it a treat to enjoy later—just know the shrimp are best enjoyed sooner than later to keep their tender bite!
Freezing
While you technically can freeze Creamy Garlic Shrimp, the creamy sauce may separate a bit once thawed. For best results, freeze only the sauce itself, then reheat and stir in freshly cooked shrimp before serving. If you freeze the shrimp in the sauce, plan to thaw and reheat gently to minimize texture changes.
Reheating
To reheat, pour your leftovers into a skillet or saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring often. Avoid microwaving, as it can quickly make the shrimp rubbery and the sauce uneven. A splash of cream or broth can help revive the sauce if it thickens up too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work wonderfully in Creamy Garlic Shrimp. Just be sure to fully thaw them and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your skillet.
What other cheeses can I use?
While Parmesan is classic and brings lots of flavor, you can try Pecorino Romano for a bolder taste or stir in a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. Freshly grated cheese always melts best and avoids clumping.
Is Creamy Garlic Shrimp gluten-free?
Yes, the main recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be mindful of your side dishes—stick with rice, gluten-free pasta, or veggies if you need to avoid gluten entirely.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, baby kale, or sliced mushrooms make delicious additions. Stir them in when you add the sauce, giving them time to cook through and mingle with all that garlic and cream.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
The key is not to overcook the shrimp. They become opaque and pink very quickly—usually in just a few minutes per side. Remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done, then add them back at the end to gently finish in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for something fast, elegant, and guaranteed to steal the show, Creamy Garlic Shrimp is ready to be your new weeknight winner. It’s a dish that feels fancy without the fuss, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever did dinner without it. Don’t hesitate to make it yours and enjoy those silky, buttery, garlicky bites!
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent yet simple dish with this Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe. Succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook shrimp until pink and opaque. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, then add cream, broth, Parmesan, seasonings. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Add shrimp back to skillet, simmer together. Stir in parsley, lemon juice.
- Finish: Adjust seasoning. Serve over pasta, rice, or with bread.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or plant-based cream.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
