Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Why You’ll Want to Make This Dish

I love how incredibly easy and quick this dish is to prepare. In just 15 minutes, it’s ready to serve, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy evenings when I want something special without the effort. The best part? It all comes together in one pan, so I don’t have a pile of dishes to clean afterward.

The creamy garlic sauce is rich and indulgent, complementing the shrimp perfectly. You can even customize the dish by adding vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste. If you want a little more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. This dish is versatile, delicious, and guaranteed to satisfy any cravings!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp salt

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic (minced or pureed)

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (for heat, optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Season the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.

Sear the Shrimp:
Set your stove to medium-high heat. Add olive oil to a large skillet and let it get hot for about a minute. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth (or wine) and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Add Cream and Cheese:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir thoroughly. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.

Combine & Serve:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce. Simmer on low heat for another 2 minutes until heated through.

Garnish & Enjoy:
Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Vegetables: If I’m craving extra vegetables, I love adding onions, bell peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes. They bring extra flavor and color to the dish.

Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, I add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Make it Lighter: To make it lighter, I can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating: When reheating, I recommend adding a splash of cream or broth and gently warming it on low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works just fine! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking, and pat them dry to avoid excess water in the pan.

Can I make this recipe without Parmesan cheese?

While Parmesan adds a lot of flavor, I can use a different cheese like Asiago or Pecorino Romano if I prefer. It will still be delicious!

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes is a great way to elevate the dish and add more nutrients.

What can I serve this dish with?

This creamy garlic shrimp pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or even some crusty bread. You could also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as I make sure that the chicken broth or wine and other ingredients I use don’t contain gluten.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a quick and delicious meal that feels fancy without the complicated steps. The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful, and the shrimp turn out perfectly tender. It’s perfect for busy nights when I want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether I’m cooking for myself or impressing guests, this dish never disappoints!

Print