If you love seafood that feels indulgent yet comes together in under 20 minutes, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp swimming in a luscious sauce made of garlic, Parmesan, and cream, brightened just enough with a hint of Italian herbs and gentle spice. It’s elegant, comforting, and bursts with flavor from the very first bite to the last, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion that won’t keep you tethered to the stove. The Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, elevating basic ingredients into a memorable dish you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish a standout. Despite the elegance of the final plate, the components are humble and straightforward, ensuring you don’t need a pantry full of fancy items to enjoy this creamy delight.
- Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, providing a juicy, tender seafood base that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve a lovely sear on the shrimp.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a subtle smoky note that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a touch of mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Enriches the sauce, giving it richness and a velvety mouthfeel.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The bold, aromatic backbone that infuses the entire dish with irresistible savory goodness.
- Chicken broth or white wine (½ cup): Provides a flavorful liquid base that lifts the sauce with subtle acidity or freshness.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 cup): Creates the creamy, dreamy texture that the recipe is known for.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Delivers umami richness and a slightly nutty edge to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs that adds a classic Mediterranean flair.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Offers a hint of heat for those who like a whisper of spice.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a fresh, bright garnish that lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Begin by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning step is key to layering flavors right from the start. The paprika adds a subtle smokiness, while the salt and pepper bring out the shrimp’s natural sweetness, setting the stage for the creamy sauce to come.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn opaque and develop a beautiful pink hue with slightly crisp edges. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside, because the sauce deserves the spotlight next.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once it melts, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just about one minute until it’s fragrant and golden. Garlic is the soul of this dish, and cooking it gently in butter ensures it infuses the sauce with its rich, mellow flavor without getting bitter.
Step 4: Deglaze with Chicken Broth or White Wine
Pour in your choice of chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let this liquid simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it reduces slightly—this concentrates its flavor and gives your sauce a bright foundation that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Flavorful
Next, stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of your spoon. This is where the dish truly transforms into that comforting, silky Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe you’re craving.
Step 6: Finish by Combining Shrimp and Sauce
Return the seared shrimp to the skillet, tossing them lovingly in the creamy sauce to make sure every morsel is coated. Let everything heat together for another two minutes—this final step allows the flavors to marry perfectly before serving.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a vibrant pop of color and freshness. Then it’s time to grab a fork and dig in, with your choice of sides ready to soak up every last bit of the sumptuous sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only enhances the appearance but adds a subtle herbal lift that balances the richness of the dish. A grating of extra Parmesan can also add an extra layer of nutty umami if you like.
Side Dishes
This creamy garlic shrimp pairs beautifully with simple pasta like linguine or fettuccine, which helps absorb all that lovely sauce. Alternatively, fluffy white rice or a crusty baguette complement the dish wonderfully, letting you savor every drop of the sauce without overpowering the shrimp’s delicate flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try plating the shrimp over a bed of creamy polenta for a comforting twist, or stuff it into buttery croissants for an indulgent seafood sandwich. Drizzling a bit of lemon juice over the top just before serving can add brightness that elevates the creamy sauce to a whole new level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal because the cream sauce can separate and change texture upon thawing. If you must freeze, store only the cooked shrimp without the sauce, then prepare a fresh batch of the creamy sauce when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the sauce smooth and prevent the shrimp from overcooking. Adding a splash of cream or broth during reheating can help restore the sauce’s luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture diluting the sauce.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives. The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
White wine is a fantastic alternative that adds a bit of acidity and sophistication; vegetable broth works well too if you prefer a lighter base.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle warmth that gently tingles the palate, but you can easily leave them out or add more according to your heat preference.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the broth or any added sides don’t contain gluten. Just double-check ingredient labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe enough if you want a dish that feels both comforting and a little special, all while being incredibly easy to whip up. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for friends, it hits every note perfectly. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
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: Italian-American
Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe that features tender shrimp cooked in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, complemented by Parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Toss the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Cook shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer broth: Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and enhance flavor.
- Make the cream sauce: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the creamy sauce. Heat for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp and serve immediately alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- White wine adds extra depth but chicken broth works well as a non-alcoholic option.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
- Serve with your choice of side like linguine, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoother melting.
