This might just become your new go-to weeknight favorite. The blend of butter, garlic, and parmesan in this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe creates a silky sauce that clings to plump, tender shrimp—it's super quick and always gets rave reviews at my dinner table.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I've made this creamy garlic shrimp dish countless times, and every single time it surprises me how something so simple turns out so rich and satisfying. If you love shrimp but want a little something extra, this recipe really delivers.
- Speedy Meal: You can have this on the table in just about 15 minutes—perfect for those busy nights.
- Comforting Cream Sauce: The garlicky, cheesy sauce is silky and indulgent without being overly complicated.
- Flexible Ingredients: You only need a handful of kitchen staples, and the shrimp cooks fast so you won’t overthink it.
- Impressively Elegant: It feels fancy but couldn't be easier, making it great for date night or when friends come over.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing flavors and textures—the butter creates richness, the shrimp bring natural sweetness, and the parmesan adds that punch of umami that hugs the creamy sauce perfectly. I'll share some handy tips so you can pick the best ingredients and get the most from them.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over saltiness and adds a smooth richness to both shrimp and sauce.
- Shrimp (raw, peeled, deveined): Jumbo works best for a meaty bite, but any size will do as long as it's peeled and deveined.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential—season the shrimp well before cooking for maximum flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is non-negotiable here; it provides that aromatic backbone you want in every creamy garlic shrimp recipe.
- Vegetable or Chicken Stock: Adds savory depth to the sauce. I sometimes swap half the stock for a splash of white wine for an extra layer of flavor.
- Heavy Cream: The cream is what makes the sauce luscious and velvety—don’t skip it or substitute with a lower-fat option, or it won’t be quite the same.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is a game-changer—pre-grated powders just don’t melt the same or give you that sharp cheesy tang.
- Fresh Parsley: A bright pop of color and freshness to finish things off.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this creamy garlic shrimp recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap out parsley for basil if I’m craving something a little Italian, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. It’s all about making it suit your mood and pantry.
- Variation: For extra smoky flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika to the shrimp before cooking—I love this on chillier evenings.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the sides or serve over sautéed zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly plate.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk; it changes the vibe but still delicious.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Sizzle the Shrimp to Perfection
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add your shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook them just until they turn opaque and curl slightly—usually about 2 minutes per side. Don’t overcook! The shrimp should be tender and juicy, not rubbery. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside. Cooking the shrimp first saves their tender texture and lets you build the sauce in the same pan, capturing all those flavor bits.
Step 2: Build That Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—just about 30 seconds to a minute, careful not to burn it! Then add the stock and let it simmer down for 3-4 minutes to concentrate the flavors. Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously as it begins to thicken. This part is calming for me—watching it slowly turn silky and luxurious. Finish by stirring in the grated parmesan until melted and incorporated. Give it a taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Toss your shrimp back into the skillet and coat them with all that luscious sauce. Heat everything together for a minute or two to marry the flavors. The sauce should cling to the shrimp beautifully, making every bite rich and garlicky. Finish with fresh chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful contrast.
Top Tip
Over the years, I've learned a few little tricks that make my creamy garlic shrimp recipe just *right* every time. These might save you some frustration and ensure that sauce turns silky while the shrimp remain tender.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook shrimp in batches if you need to, so they sear nicely instead of steaming.
- Garlic Timing: Add garlic after shrimp so you don’t burn it; burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin the sauce.
- Stir Constantly While Thickening: Prevents the cream from separating and helps the parmesan melt smoothly for that perfect sauce texture.
- Fresh Parmesan Matters: Freshly grated cheese blends better and keeps the sauce from becoming grainy—trust me, it’s worth the extra effort.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of green and a subtle freshness that brightens up the rich sauce. Sometimes I add a little lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice—it’s an unexpected twist that sharpens the flavors and cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
This creamy garlic shrimp pairs wonderfully over simple fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even soft polenta. Lately, I’ve been loving it on garlic butter noodles or alongside roasted veggies to lighten things up. It’s a versatile base that plays well with many sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like serving the shrimp over a bed of angel hair pasta twirled into neat nests, topped with extra parmesan and a sprig of parsley. You can also plate the shrimp and sauce in individual shallow bowls for a rustic yet elegant vibe. For a casual family night, scoop it over rice in deep bowls and let everyone dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer leftover creamy garlic shrimp to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken as it chills but still tastes fantastic after reheating.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal—cream sauces can separate. If you want to freeze, leave the sauce and shrimp separate, freeze shrimp in a container, and make fresh sauce when ready to eat. That way, you preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick or sticking. Avoid microwaving if you can—it can cause curdling and uneven heating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can prevent a good sear. Using raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp will yield the best results.
Cook the sauce on low to medium heat and stir constantly. Adding the parmesan cheese off the heat or in low heat helps too. Avoid boiling the cream once the cheese is added to keep the sauce silky and smooth.
Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut milk or any dairy-free cream alternative. The sauce will be a bit different but still creamy and delicious.
This recipe tastes amazing over rice, mashed potatoes, polenta, or pasta. I recommend serving it with something that soaks up the sauce well, so every bite is loaded with flavor. A fresh green salad on the side balances the richness nicely.
Final Thoughts
If I had to pick one recipe that feels like comfort food but also impresses guests, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe would be it every time. It’s quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight yet luscious enough to savor on special occasions. I honestly can’t recommend making it enough—grab some shrimp and give it a go, you’ll thank me later!
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe delivers succulent, buttery shrimp coated in a rich, garlicky parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner served over rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (26 g)
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (450 g)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup vegetable or chicken stock (180 ml)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (43 g)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until the shrimp turn opaque and pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and simmer until reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat them evenly in the creamy garlic sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use jumbo shrimp for the best texture, but any size shrimp will work well.
- For extra richness, try adding a splash of white wine along with the stock.
- Prepare side dishes in advance so they are ready when the shrimp is finished cooking.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese provides the best flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to thin the sauce if it thickens too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 415 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 320 mg
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