Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

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.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating?

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.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

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.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp - Easy & Delicious Weeknight Favorite

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

Scale

Shrimp

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (26 g)
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (450 g)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup vegetable or chicken stock (180 ml)
1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (43 g)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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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