Creamy Garlic Shrimp – A Quick and Luxurious Seafood Dish
If you’re craving a delicious seafood dish that’s quick to prepare, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is perfect! With plump, juicy shrimp cooked in a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce, this dish feels gourmet but is ready in just 20 minutes.
Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or when you want something indulgent yet simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich & Creamy – A luscious garlic cream sauce coats the shrimp perfectly.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
✔ Gourmet Flavors – Feels restaurant-quality but made right at home.
✔ Versatile – Serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even veggies.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition
Kitchen Equipment Needed
✔ Large Skillet – To cook the shrimp and sauce.
✔ Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the ingredients.
✔ Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate portions.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Combine the Shrimp with the Sauce
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy sauce.
- Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
- Serve warm over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp
✔ Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – They only need 1-2 minutes per side to stay tender and juicy.
✔ Use Fresh Garlic – It makes a big difference in the depth of flavor.
✔ Let the Sauce Thicken – Simmer the cream sauce gently to reach the perfect consistency.
✔ Customize the Heat – Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
✔ Serve Immediately – This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Make It Spicy – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Add Veggies – Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for more color and nutrition.
Use Different Cheese – Swap Parmesan for pecorino romano or asiago.
Try a Different Protein – Use scallops, chicken, or tofu as an alternative to shrimp.
Make It Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating Instructions
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
Freezing Instructions
- While the shrimp can be frozen, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pair it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce and shrimp are best made fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance for quicker cooking.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simmer it for a few extra minutes, or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be slightly thinner. Simmer a bit longer to thicken.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a decadent yet easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, garlicky cream sauce and tender shrimp, it’s sure to impress family and friends.
Try this 20-minute recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides and share it with loved ones—they’ll be asking for seconds!
PrintCreamy Garlic Shrimp – A Quick and Luxurious Seafood Dish
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a quick and indulgent seafood dish made with juicy shrimp cooked in a luscious garlic cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, it’s ready in just 20 minutes and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Red pepper flakes for spice
- Spinach or cherry tomatoes for added veggies
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Combine the Shrimp with the Sauce
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce.
- Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
- Serve warm over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To thicken the sauce, simmer it longer or mix in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water.
- Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be thinner.